Hammer bullets

[LongestShot]

Great bullet. I'm pushing them a little over 3500 fps in my STW.

THe 338 federal is a lot slower; looking at 2,600fps with the 213's.

 

[adk hunter]

THe 338 federal is a lot slower; looking at 2,600fps with the 213's.

Wouldn't the 186 hammers be better choice for the .338 federal? And I have two

 

[cohunt]

I finished my load work up with the 143hh for my 7rm
Did a 1gr ladder with RE23 like Steve suggested, then picked the load that seemed best centered with sufficient velocity.
Shot it 4 times, and each time it gets better.

 

[Jeeper48]

I'm glad to find this thread, I am looking for some advice. I am going to be loading two rifles for my wife and me this year to go out west. Both of us will be chasing antelope and mule deer. My rifle is an Xbolt HCLR in 28 Nosler with a 1-8 twist and she shoots a Tikka 6.5 Creed. I was leaning between the 169 and 177's for the 28 Nosler, and either the 124 or 110's in her Creed. I am thinking the 169's at around 3000-3100 fps in the 28N and the 124's at 3000 for her rifle. What are peoples thoughts?

 

[pickens72]

22 cal hammer kills

 

[dougduey]

I'm glad to find this thread, I am looking for some advice. I am going to be loading two rifles for my wife and me this year to go out west. Both of us will be chasing antelope and mule deer. My rifle is an Xbolt HCLR in 28 Nosler with a 1-8 twist and she shoots a Tikka 6.5 Creed. I was leaning between the 169 and 177's for the 28 Nosler, and either the 124 or 110's in her Creed. I am thinking the 169's at around 3000-3100 fps in the 28N and the 124's at 3000 for her rifle. What are peoples thoughts?

I'm getting just under 3100 fps in my 7STW (which is the ballistic twin of the 28 Nosler) with the 177 gr Hunter. It's a very long bullet and even at a 3.700" COAL, it is seated very deep in the case. I believe Steve suggests the 155 gr Hunter for the 28 Nosler. You can also look at the 143 gr Hunter. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I believe the 177 gr starts to out perform it past 800 yards, so if your shots aren't going to be that far you may want to consider the 143 gr bullet. I'm running it at 3500 fps.
For your Creed, I think the 110 gr was designed with this cartridge in mind. I'd contact Steve for advice. I run the 124 gr in my 6.5-284 Norma with great results

 

[Wedgy]

I am thinking the 169's at around 3000-3100 fps in the 28N and the 124's at 3000 for her rifle. What are peoples thoughts?

I think the 28 will push the 169 above 3,200 and the creed might be a little below 3,000fps. I run the 143 at 3,620fps in my 7mm RUM

 

[Jeeper48]

I'm getting just under 3100 fps in my 7STW (which is the ballistic twin of the 28 Nosler) with the 177 gr Hunter.

What powder are you using to reach 3100?

Also what speeds are you seeing 6.5-284 and the 124gr? I was thinking about upgrading her to a lightweight PRC which should be able to reach similar speeds.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

The last 2 replies ate right on the money. There is certainly nothing wrong with going with the heavier bullets. Much of the decision is personal preference. I personally really like the 143g Hammer Hunter in the 7mm's. The higher vel with decent bc is tough to beat out to 700-800y. The higher impact vel at ranges less than that out perform the heavier slower bullets. Same for the creed. Lots of folks running the 124g Hammer Hunter very well in the 2900' for vel, depending on barrel length. When we designed the 110g Hammer Hunter We did have the creed in mind. Again higher impact vel out to 400y.

Really not a wrong answer here as long as the minimum twist rates are adhered to.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Depending on barrel length the 6.5-284 will get about 3150 fps from the 124g Hammer Hunter.

 

[Jeeper48]

Thank you Steve,

One thing is for certain, we will both be shooting Hammer bullets this year! What ever the weight ends up being

 

[Rich Coyle]

Add me to the list.

 

[dougduey]

What powder are you using to reach 3100?

Also what speeds are you seeing 6.5-284 and the 124gr? I was thinking about upgrading her to a lightweight PRC which should be able to reach similar speeds.

I've been using RL26 with the 177 gr & 143 gr with single digit ES. Retumbo is also a good choice for the 177.
I was getting 3139 fps with the 124gr using H4831. There was another node at 3215 fps but I was at the max and kept getting the occasional sticky/stuck bolt, so I dropped down to the slower node. That was with a 24" factory barrel. I'm waiting on my new barrel installation to be completed (26" Kreiger, 1:8) and then I'll load develop again. I'm assuming I should be able to reach 3200 fps with the new barrel without pressure issues

 

[BeaverHunter]

Finally got to shoot some Hammer Hunters in 181 grain through my 300 win mag. Shot 10 with increasing powder charges to check for signs of pressure. Then shot 3 groups of 3 each with 80,80.5 and 81 grains of H1000 powder. All groups were 1 moa or better. Last group was the best. Just over half an inch. Might be able to get them to shoot better when I'm not freezing in 20 degree temps.Man these Hammer shoot! Just loaded up another 10 to verify the 3 shot group and check velocity. I have a feeling I'll be ordering a lot more of these. Also forgot to mention this is a stock browning long range stalker shot off of a bipod and rear bag.