OG-danimal
Well-Known Member
Looking for my next 7mm build and will be loading with hammers! What's everyones cartridge recommendations for elk out to 600 yards?
-
If you are being asked to change your password, and unsure how to do it, follow these instructions. Click here
Best 7mm cartridge for the hammers?
- Thread starter OG-danimal
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
Shane Lindsey
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,902
I have a load with a 7 remmag and the 131 Hammers at 3525 fps. It drops 15.5" at 400 yards according to my cheapo calculator. 600 is 50" but still at 2218 fps... This is my only 7mm ever.
With that said, though, I have been contemplating a 7 RUM or 28 Nosler. The 7s just shoot so nice.
With that said, though, I have been contemplating a 7 RUM or 28 Nosler. The 7s just shoot so nice.
entoptics
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2018
- Messages
- 881
Here's a generic comparison of 7mm-08, 7 SAUM, 280 AI, 7mm Rem Mag, and 28 Nosler that might help...
I pulled the velocity data from Nosler for a 140 grain bullet (adjusted for 24" barrel as necessary), and set that as the baseline muzzle energy for each cartridge, then adjusted the velocity to get that energy for each of the different bullet weights. B.C. values are pulled from Hammer's website, and in my experience are on the optimistic side.
This is standard pressure at 4000 feet above sea level, 50°, 50% humidity.
My personal "rules of thumb" for elk sized game are highlighted for velocity and energy. YMMV.
131 HH
143 Hammer Hunter
169 Hammer Hunter (Requires 1:8.5 twist)
In my opinion, for elk at 600 yards...
1) The 7mm-08 is at best marginal, at worst considerably under powered.
2) The 28 Nosler is a bit overkill for me, as I limit "pie plate" to about 700 yards in good conditions, and the 28 Nosler is therefore "overkill" at the cost of barrel life, hard to find ammo/components, and a fairly oversized propellant bill...
3) Given the B.C. limits you get with Hammer bullets, you need to run a faster twist to use the 169 HH, which are pretty long. Because of the length, the data in the last two graphs may be optimistic, as the bullets will be taking up a lot of space in the case in a SAAMI chamber (particularly 7-08). That makes the 7 SAUM and 280 AI a little on the light side for comfort.
4) That leaves the 7 Rem Mag or 7 PRC as the ideal vehicles for 0.284 Hammer bullets on elk inside 600 yards...This is objective fact. Best calibers ever. Any other opinions are obviously silly...
I pulled the velocity data from Nosler for a 140 grain bullet (adjusted for 24" barrel as necessary), and set that as the baseline muzzle energy for each cartridge, then adjusted the velocity to get that energy for each of the different bullet weights. B.C. values are pulled from Hammer's website, and in my experience are on the optimistic side.
This is standard pressure at 4000 feet above sea level, 50°, 50% humidity.
My personal "rules of thumb" for elk sized game are highlighted for velocity and energy. YMMV.
131 HH
143 Hammer Hunter
169 Hammer Hunter (Requires 1:8.5 twist)
In my opinion, for elk at 600 yards...
1) The 7mm-08 is at best marginal, at worst considerably under powered.
2) The 28 Nosler is a bit overkill for me, as I limit "pie plate" to about 700 yards in good conditions, and the 28 Nosler is therefore "overkill" at the cost of barrel life, hard to find ammo/components, and a fairly oversized propellant bill...
3) Given the B.C. limits you get with Hammer bullets, you need to run a faster twist to use the 169 HH, which are pretty long. Because of the length, the data in the last two graphs may be optimistic, as the bullets will be taking up a lot of space in the case in a SAAMI chamber (particularly 7-08). That makes the 7 SAUM and 280 AI a little on the light side for comfort.
4) That leaves the 7 Rem Mag or 7 PRC as the ideal vehicles for 0.284 Hammer bullets on elk inside 600 yards...This is objective fact. Best calibers ever. Any other opinions are obviously silly...
adk hunter
Well-Known Member
Entopics- That is some excellent work. Or at least your figures figure the way you want them! Great graphs
DoneNOut
Well-Known Member
I got a 708AI in the works. This makes me feel better about the choice. Lol
Bghunter338
Well-Known Member
If I want to run hammers in a 7mm I would go with a rum and 140gr absolutes. Because everyone says you need to run them fast.
DoneNOut
Well-Known Member
Well, just fast(ish)
DoneNOut
Well-Known Member
Daggum homie! Thanks for the work!Here's a generic comparison of 7mm-08, 7 SAUM, 280 AI, 7mm Rem Mag, and 28 Nosler that might help...
I pulled the velocity data from Nosler for a 140 grain bullet (adjusted for 24" barrel as necessary), and set that as the baseline muzzle energy for each cartridge, then adjusted the velocity to get that energy for each of the different bullet weights. B.C. values are pulled from Hammer's website, and in my experience are on the optimistic side.
This is standard pressure at 4000 feet above sea level, 50°, 50% humidity.
My personal "rules of thumb" for elk sized game are highlighted for velocity and energy. YMMV.
131 HH
View attachment 445503
View attachment 445504
143 Hammer Hunter
View attachment 445500
View attachment 445499
169 Hammer Hunter (Requires 1:8.5 twist)
View attachment 445502
View attachment 445501
In my opinion, for elk at 600 yards...
1) The 7mm-08 is at best marginal, at worst considerably under powered.
2) The 28 Nosler is a bit overkill for me, as I limit "pie plate" to about 700 yards in good conditions, and the 28 Nosler is therefore "overkill" at the cost of barrel life, hard to find ammo/components, and a fairly oversized propellant bill...
3) Given the B.C. limits you get with Hammer bullets, you need to run a faster twist to use the 169 HH, which are pretty long. Because of the length, the data in the last two graphs may be optimistic, as the bullets will be taking up a lot of space in the case in a SAAMI chamber (particularly 7-08). That makes the 7 SAUM and 280 AI a little on the light side for comfort.
4) That leaves the 7 Rem Mag or 7 PRC as the ideal vehicles for 0.284 Hammer bullets on elk inside 600 yards...This is objective fact. Best calibers ever. Any other opinions are obviously silly...
QuietTexan
Well-Known Member
There's no kill like overkill.
One thing about the Hammers is I've always seated mine deep, to the last PDR groove on the bullet. If any loadings are at the top end of 100%+ load densities to get the numbers you need go ahead and step up in case size to get there. I do also use faster burning powders than typical to push Hammers so it's not always a concern, but something to be aware of.
So something the 28 Nosler/ 7 RUM has going for them is that they were built around a deep seated bullet, there's no concern over lost case capacity for loads. I run my 300 RUM at 300 WM speeds all the time, sure it burns more powder than a 300 WM would use to get the same speed when downloaded like that, but I can always step on the gas if I want to. And it's a BIG gas pedal when you let yourself step on it.
Last edited:
CBH Australia
Well-Known Member
I have a 7mm-08 and A like it, I have a .280a.i. and it's just a bigger faster 7mm in a sleek case.
I've been reading on the 7prc, I dunno why but it just caught my attention.
Oh wait. I don't have any elk I'm an Aussie..
.280a.i would probably do it. Cases are available, it's moderate recoil in my light rifle. It's a sweet cartridge what's not to like.
I've been reading on the 7prc, I dunno why but it just caught my attention.
Oh wait. I don't have any elk I'm an Aussie..
.280a.i would probably do it. Cases are available, it's moderate recoil in my light rifle. It's a sweet cartridge what's not to like.
Shane Lindsey
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 3,902
I extended the throat in my 7RM and can load longer and also have a loads with the 177gr Hammer.
N570 2948 FPS
RL26 cruising at a mild 3070 FPS
If buidling a purpose built 7mm for elk, I would again get at least an 8 twist and throat it right.
He said OVERKILL...
N570 2948 FPS
RL26 cruising at a mild 3070 FPS
If buidling a purpose built 7mm for elk, I would again get at least an 8 twist and throat it right.
He said OVERKILL...
7MM. RUM. Nuff Said.
I run the 169s in a 28 Nosler running 3240 over N570. 200 yd zero at 400 yds 16" drop and at 500 yds 32" drop. Very flat.
Roughly one bull elk broadside withers to chest vitals area at 500 yds. Still running about 2500 fps when it gets there. Hold over his back about 12-16" (or spin it up about 24 clicks) and send it. He will be laying there when you get there!!!! Easy button for hunting.
Roughly one bull elk broadside withers to chest vitals area at 500 yds. Still running about 2500 fps when it gets there. Hold over his back about 12-16" (or spin it up about 24 clicks) and send it. He will be laying there when you get there!!!! Easy button for hunting.
