Hammer Hunter Seating Depth

[morgaj1]

What are you guys seating your Hammer Hunters to? I've seen everything from SAAMI COAL to 0.020-0.030 off the lands.

 

[dwinmeade]

Maybe Steve of Hammer bullets will chime in on this one?

 

[shinbone]

I am getting my best results somewhere between .020" and .030", depending on the rifle, bullet, powder, etc.

 

[lancetkenyon]

.050" off lands. Everytime. Have never once had to adjust, they just shoot that good.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I understood the Hammers do not care too much how far off the rifling they are…this is one of their pluses for use.
I cannot say, as I have not used them, know a couple of guys here using them and they are happy with them. I can ask if they have a seating depth preference or not.
I'm sure ButterBean has lots of info on them.

Cheers.

 

[nimrod_gn]

I've found they aren't too picky on seating depth. I seat them so they will function easily through magazine (as long as that isn't into the lands) and have never had to change from there. Very forgiving bullets. Love them

 

[GLTaylor]

Same here. Usually crimp/seat in first PDR band, assuming it doesn't touch the lands. If close, i back off .020 and usually leave it. Only ever changed initial depth setting one time.

 

[JD284win]

60 thou. on my 284win long action with 177s. I've found they do like a certain jump. They just aren't picky like target bullets or barnes bullets. If they are a few thou either direction they shoot fine. The Berger hybrids in my 6.5 get 2 thou off it goes to crap.

 

[dflyfish]

You should give Steve from hammer Bullets a call. They keep a pretty good starting point for load development

 

[ButterBean]

I haven't measured a COAL dice I started loading Hammers I have not ever had to adjust anything, I seat as deep as I can, the first PDR groove if I can get to it, I know a few folks have had to adjust to get a good group but I have not

 

[HARPERC]

There may be some advantage to chasing jump, it depends I suppose on your needs.

Personally I've just been seating magazine length, and have found that sufficient for my my hunting requirements.

Chasing the last decimal point can be fun, but not always necessary.

 

[Recon$$]

I keep seeing this, just might have to jump on board ...

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I load them for maximum bearing surface (in the case neck) which also always fits in the magazine. Most of my Hammer loads are about .100" off. They shoot just fine with plenty of jump just like other monos.

 

[shinbone]

Here's a bullet jump test I did in a .300WSM with 152gr Sledge Hammers. No crimp. Note it is two-shot groups, so just a rough estimate. I re-shoot the jumps that show potential to make a final choice.