180 Hammer Hunters 300 Win--which powder? RL26, Retumbo, H4350, H1000?

[the444shooter]

I finally took the plunge and ordered some Hammer Hunters the other day. The load data thread has been helpful, and I chose the 180HH for my 300 Win Mag (Christensen Ridgeline 26" 1:10) due to the velocities that people were reporting. It looks like RL26 is the clear winner for velocities with that combination, with some guys pushing Wby/RUM speeds, but I've heard that RL26 can do some goofy things at temp. Being that it's 90+ degrees in MT right now, do I load with RL26 until I see pressure, back off a grain, and then assume that it will be safe at all temps?

Or do I stick with H1000, Retumbo, or even H4350?

Thanks for any insight you guys might have @ButterBean @GLTaylor @RockyMtnMT (<-assuming you're packing for your trip and not looking at LRH but tagged you anyways Steve)

 

[GLTaylor]

444,
Speaking only for myself, i shoot to pressure then back off 1 grain and shoot for groups/fine tune.
Our temps here do not vary wildly during hunting season. If I work up a load in the heat (like now), I'll recheck it this winter at more seasonal Temps. May have to adjust slightly.

 

[ButterBean]

H4350 and follow GL's guidelines

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I finally took the plunge and ordered some Hammer Hunters the other day. The load data thread has been helpful, and I chose the 180HH for my 300 Win Mag (Christensen Ridgeline 26" 1:10) due to the velocities that people were reporting. It looks like RL26 is the clear winner for velocities with that combination, with some guys pushing Wby/RUM speeds, but I've heard that RL26 can do some goofy things at temp. Being that it's 90+ degrees in MT right now, do I load with RL26 until I see pressure, back off a grain, and then assume that it will be safe at all temps?

Or do I stick with H1000, Retumbo, or even H4350?

Thanks for any insight you guys might have @ButterBean @GLTaylor @RockyMtnMT (<-assuming you're packing for your trip and not looking at LRH but tagged you anyways Steve)

Even though RE26 is a speedster and also capable of producing tight groups, I've gotten away from the stuff. I've been having great luck with RE23 and have only seen a moderate reduction in velocity. RE23 supposedly uses the latest technoloy to provide temperature stability, copper fouling reduction and shot-to-shot consistency.

I was able to grab a jug of H1000 for the first time in 3 years so that too will also be on the top of my list for magnum cartridges.

 

[HSmithTX]

I have shot RL 26 in magnums quite a bit, most of my loads are developed in 80-90 degree weather, it really doesn't get truly cold here and if it does I stay home LOL, but down into the 30's and 40's for sure I don't see any issues. I have read many times where over 90 degrees RL 26 will get weird, I haven't seen it and I have shot 28N for example running HARD with loads developed at 80 in 95-100+ weather and no issues. I have seen more issues with RL33 and 90+ weather than I have with 26, and 33 will go from little to no pressure signs to a slight ejector wipe with a max max load developed in 65-70 weather shooting at 90-100 degrees. That said, I have had exceptional results with 300WM using 180-212 grain cup and core bullets and H4831SC. No, it isn't the fastest load by a lot compared to RL26, but it is exceptionally consistent across temps and accuracy has been as good or better than anything else. I load long, 3.600"+, so I am well north of published data with no pressure issues at all. My workup was 3 grains under published max at 3.34" to pressure signs in 1 grain increments. H1000 is also extremely hard to beat if not looking for warp 10 speeds.

 

[the444shooter]

Thanks all--I saw in the Hammer Reloading Data table that all of the above powders produced 3100+fps with the 180gr class of Hammers, and knowing that they need speed to open up, I'd like to stay as fast and consistent as I can. From what I see with H4350, you can do more with less, so if I can get decent groups at ~3100 with less powder, I think I'll be happy.

 

[Muddyboots]

I touched 3300 with RE26 with 181HH in stock Sendero 300WM. Load data is in the sheet. I backed off to 3200 and shoots very well. I tried RE23 and about 60-70fps less if I recall correctly.

The 196HH is my go to in it and is perfect for 1:10 tw so if you want the "ultimate elk hammer" I would try it as well. I posted up this load as well. My settled accurate hunting load is at 3100fps so it carries down range nicely.

 

[the444shooter]

I guess it also begs the question is there considerable difference in loading the 174, 180, and 181? Are they close enough in weight that load data is somewhat interchangeable?

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I only run the 181Hammer at 3,100 ft/sec in my 30 Nosler. It's easy on the rifle and brass but shut the lights out quick on a fine bull a few years back. The bull was at just over 300yds IIRC.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Our go to in the 300 wm with the 180g Hammer Hunter has been rl23. With regular brass we see about 3150 fps on the top and with ADG, Gunwerks, or Peterson brass we see about 3300 fps.

I need to add that Hammers don't need speed to open up. They will function fully down to 1800 fps. This is where we stop testing. Hammers are capable of extra speed, so why not take it?

 

[Chadp82]

I recently started load development on HH180 with H4350. With 300WM Model 70. I didn't chronograph it.

I like to do load development at 200 yds. On the first outing I was able to get a group a 1 1/8 inch at 200, and wasn't quite at max charge.

I say, pick a powder and see what you get

 

[the444shooter]

Our go to in the 300 wm with the 180g Hammer Hunter has been rl23. With regular brass we see about 3150 fps on the top and with ADG, Gunwerks, or Peterson brass we see about 3300 fps.

I need to add that Hammers don't need speed to open up. They will function fully down to 1800 fps. This is where we stop testing. Hammers are capable of extra speed, so why not take it?

Ok Steve, but you just listed a powder that I don't have! I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Ok Steve, but you just listed a powder that I don't have! I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in.

There is a fair chance that if I list another you might not have it either!

You should be able to get a good load with powders in the 4350-4831 burn range. If you have enough mag to seat out to 3.6" oal then powders in the 4831 range. If restricted in the mag probably look in the 4350 range. imr7828 is the old standby in 300wm.

 

[the444shooter]

There is a fair chance that if I list another you might not have it either!

You should be able to get a good load with powders in the 4350-4831 burn range. If you have enough mag to seat out to 3.6" oal then powders in the 4831 range. If restricted in the mag probably look in the 4350 range. imr7828 is the old standby in 300wm.

I listed pretty much what I have. I have H4350, H1000, Retumbo, and RL26 (and Staball 6.5, which is smack dab in between 4350 and 4831, but don't know if load density will be there.) I think I have about 2/3 of a can left of H4831sc, and will most likely seat out to 3.5-3.6