Hammer Hunter Load Data, (See page 1, Post 8)

Steve's Opening Reminders:

The Hammer Hunter line is our long range or high bc line of bullets. This was the original line of bullets. These bullets all have 1.5mm hollow point and are typically 60%-70% weight retention. There is no drop off in terminal performance from the Shock Hammers. The only difference that we see on game is the Shock Hammer will open up slightly quicker. As time goes on we are learning that the extra shed weight of the Hammer Hunter is great aid in terminal performance with the several larger shed petals creating their own wound channels around the main retained shank wound channel. We designed the Hammer Hunter with the 1.5mm hp as it was the smallest that we could get reliable expansion. We tried 1mm hp but it would not always do what we wanted on game. Failure is not an option.

Our loading procedure: Always load with caution and never start with a stated max load from anyone or anywhere.

A reputable ammunition loading manual should be consulted for load development using a particular powder. Always follow good loading practices outlined in your loading manual. Our PDR design will tend to have less pressure due to less bearing surface contact with the bore. We recommend looking for a powder showing fairly high load density for similar weight bullets, but not compressed. We like to use powders that show a 90-95% load density with conventional bullets of the same weight. This will leave some room for the longer copper bullet and for the lower pressure possibly needing a bit more powder to get to pressure. We also recommend using a magnum primer to start ignition more quickly in order to seal the chamber as the bullet enters the bore. This is more important with larger cartridges and definitely magnum cartridges. Use of a chronograph to watch muzzle velocity compared to similar weight bullet velocity listed in loading manual will aid in load development. Muzzle velocity should not exceed max load velocity listed for similar weight bullets listed in loading manual. Muzzle velocity is an indication of pressure. Always watch for known pressure indicators such as heavy bolt lift or ejector marks on brass as well. We have found that Hammer Bullets are not sensitive to seating depth. Seating to mag length for repeating rifles or just off the lands will generally work very well without need to adjust for better accuracy. If we can reach the lands we like 20 thou off as a starting point.

Load development should be easy. Find your seating depth, choose your powder and primer, use start load data and work up your load to desired velocity, sight it in, and have fun hitting it with a Hammer.

OK, here is the Hammer Hunter Load Data I have.
Please review your loads. There is a bit of needed info missing


Post 8-4-21
G
Been playing with 131 hammers in my 7.5 twist 6.5 Saum 4s .081fb. 23.25" barrel. ADG brass fed 215gm and fed 210lr . 56gr h4831sc 131 hammer hunter. 2.261" ogive About .003 off the lands. 3151fps with both primers and giving an average of .5" at 100 yards. 57.5-58 I showed pressure signs. Also ran some h1000 and got up to 3275fps at around 61.5-62 But it was a touch hot , bolt lift getting stiff and accuracy wasn't as good.
 
2 shot groups at 740 and 514. With above load data and 131 hammer hunters. Verifying/ testing BC. I came up with .225g7
 

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Finally captured a Zoomie! (But I cheated)
Can't get the deer to cooperate the last few days, so I set up a test.
Lined up 7 one gal jugs filled with water. Backed off 100 yds and fired a 85gr HH at 4002fps.
Bullet literally exploded the first 2 jugs (into small pieces). Bullet retained 39% of its wt in the shank. 4-5 petals travelled close to the shank and fully penetrated 12", stopping at the 3rd jug. Bullet shank fully penetrated 4 jugs (24") and stopped in the 5th jug (between 24-30"). I'm Impressed! Perfect mushroom. No wonder the deer I've shot had their lungs turned to mush!
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Finally captured a Zoomie! (But I cheated)
Can't get the deer to cooperate the last few days, so I set up a test.
Lined up 7 one gal jugs filled with water. Backed off 100 yds and fired a 85gr HH at 4002fps.
Bullet literally exploded the first 2 jugs (into small pieces). Bullet retained 39% of its wt in the shank. 4-5 petals travelled close to the shank and fully penetrated 12", stopping at the 3rd jug. Bullet shank fully penetrated 4 jugs (24") and stopped in the 5th jug (between 24-30"). I'm Impressed! Perfect mushroom. No wonder the deer I've shot had their lungs turned to mush!View attachment 291259View attachment 291260View attachment 291261View attachment 291262
What caliber?
 
GLTaylor,

My load info for the 260 gr. In 33 nosler was shot out of a 26" barrel, I will have a ladder test in H1000 here shortly. Then if I get velocity I want groups to follow
 
The Mule with the 101's and Varget pressured out@ 4572, I backed down to 4468 and it's completely safe, this is the first time I have used Bertram Brass and it's hard as a brickbat and a little inconsistent in the neck interference, once I get through all 50 I'm going to neck turn and anneal and I feel sure I will be able to hang out around 4500
The Mule
All the same specs except for powder and charge
Varget 96.5
101'HBO's
 

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The Mule with the 101's and Varget pressured out@ 4572, I backed down to 4468 and it's completely safe, this is the first time I have used Bertram Brass and it's hard as a brickbat and a little inconsistent in the neck interference, once I get through all 50 I'm going to neck turn and anneal and I feel sure I will be able to hang out around 4500
The Mule
All the same specs except for powder and charge
Varget 96.5
101'HBO's
Holy Smokes Batman!
 
Well, I've quit with the 120HHs in the 7 RUM for the time being. Got over 4000 fps with 3 powders, but all with excessive pressure.
Couldnt get a group below 1" with but one and primer pockets lasted 2 loadings. Speed still just over 4000. All would probably shoot fine at lower belocity, but that wasn't the goal.
I've gone through most of my 100 bullets. Might try again with the 101s. That's lot of powder to get through a smaller bore, I guess?
Got some Varget. Need to pick up my 760 I guess.🥺
 
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