Steve,
I've been eyeballing your stuff, really like what Hammer is about and want to support it. I'm looking for a bullet/powder recommendation but I have a couple questions. My rifle is a 24" 7saum, 3" coal, 1:8 using thick ol' brass (gunwerks/adg and nosler). Currently have h4831, imr7977, and fed 210s. Dual purpose target/hunter. Looking mainly at the longer bullets, not concerned about losing powder space unless there are mechanical limitations on your projectiles. I'd rate myself a newer but highly methodical reloader. I definitely feel safe as long as I know I'm headed in the right direction.
First, how critical is it to jump up in powder and primer heat for the absolutes? Like if I'm using h4831 and fed 210 do I need to jump to varget and 215 primers to get good obturation? If I stay with that first combo will it be unsafe, very piddly, or just suboptimal? Does it apply at all to the regular HH or just the AH?
Second, can the problem above be partially solved by neck tension instead? I imagine deformation of the gas/rifling checks is an issue so maybe lighter than normal tension is required.
Anyway, I'm after a mulie/elk recommendation but might be after a coyote round too if they need to be different for expansion. I've been wanting to support people trying to push the standards up for lead-free and for bullets in general and I really like where your heads are at. I appreciate your time.