6.5 Hammer problem???

[6.5shaggy]

I'm doing load development on a 8 twist 6.5 PRC with 123 Absolute Hammers. Using H1000 or Retumbo around 3200 FPS or IMR 7828 at 3300 FPS I am getting tight 100 yard groups around .7 MOA, but the bullets aren't stable; about half the bullet holes are 1/4 oblong and occasionally one is almost sideways. Am I pushing too hard? I haven't checked twist but it's a Douglas XX I personally ordered and chambered. It shoots the 153 Bergers at 2900 FPS into tiny groups about .4moa. Any thoughts are appreciated, it's my first adventure with Hammers.

 

[bsnyder]

Try to measure the twist with a cleaning rod. That would be where I started.

 

[Zen Archery]

I don't think velocity is too much running 109AH at 3300 FPS with 6.5CM 1:8 TR no issues. Keep us posted.

 

[JMW67]

I am betting your barrel is not an 8 twist

 

[Bob Wright]

There is a lot of load data on the other threads, GL Taylor on this site.
I have to assume you have adequate twist, but your powders seem too slow for this bullet using the Absolute...

 

[FEENIX]

Try to measure the twist with a cleaning rod. That would be where I started.

^^^This!^^^The 123 Ah and the 153.5 Berger have the same twist rate recommendation of 1:8" or faster. Interesting, OP can stabilize the 153.5 Berger out of his rifle; my WAG is the barrel is at least a 1:8" twist.

 

[snox801]

Something is weird cause I shoot that same bullet out of a proof and a er Shaw 1/8 twist with zero issue at around 3100 FPS.
Can't imagine it's a speed thing.
Have you shot the Berger's out to any real distance?
If you do have a 1/9 twist it may not show up till out a bit with some bullets. The 11 twist tika 300 win mag comes to mind. Would shoot bullets rated for a 10 twist just fine at 100-200 but could come apart.
Definitely try and measure twist rate.

 

[snox801]

If it is indeed a 8 twist maybe your rig just doesn't like them. It happens.

 

[BEEMAN]

I agree to check and verify the twist. Must not be a 8 twist. As mentioned above I believe you are using to slow of a powder for that Bullet. There are guys shooting hammers above 4000 FPS with no problems.

 

[Elkeater]

Check twist. Try faster powder. If that doesn't work then maybe your gun just doesn't like them. To be honest I love hammers but I think the minimum twist rates are a little too slow. If a hammer bullet is listed as needing an 8 twist I personally would feel more comfortable with a 7 twist barrel. Just a thought.

 

[victormendoza5781]

I'm using the 124 hammer hunter bullets on my savage ultralite 6.5prc with proof barrel in it at 3220fps using 57.5 gr of R26, Fed match 210's and adg brass. Mine is a 1:8 twist. I'm .040 away from the lands.

 

[FEENIX]

I'm doing load development on a 8 twist 6.5 PRC with 123 Absolute Hammers. Using H1000 or Retumbo around 3200 FPS or IMR 7828 at 3300 FPS I am getting tight 100 yard groups around .7 MOA, but the bullets aren't stable; about half the bullet holes are 1/4 oblong and occasionally one is almost sideways. Am I pushing too hard? I haven't checked twist but it's a Douglas XX I personally ordered and chambered. It shoots the 153 Bergers at 2900 FPS into tiny groups about .4moa. Any thoughts are appreciated, it's my first adventure with Hammers.

BTW, that 153.5 Berger at 2900 FPS is no slouch.

 

[snox801]

Is have to say it's something in the rifle. Probably twist rate.
Shot this today at 400 yards with the 123 absolute out of a 8 twist creepmore.

 

[parshal]

I had a 7 twist that would not stabilize the 137's at 6000 feet. Call and talk to Steve. He said they see that every so often for whatever reason.