IMR 4166 and Hammer Bullets

[Kmccord]

I had been looking for Varget for awhile, but was able to find some IMR 4166 that is supposed to be similar to Varget. I plan on purchasing 110gr Hammer Hunters and 124gr Hammer Hunters in 6.5 for my Creedmoor, my question does anyone have any experience with the powder and bullets combo? I would like to hear what was your experience and what was the starting and stopping load, the brass I am using is Lapua LRP, primers are CCI 200. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[sierracharlie338]

I don't have any load data for you but I know 4166 is right next to IMR4064 on the burn chart. I picked up some to test in my 308. I was hoping you were gonna ask about the 308, hahaha silly me!

 

[Elkeater]

Tagging in here as well. I have a couple pounds of varget on hand but just grabbed an 8# jug of 4166. Planning on trying it with 140 absolute hammers in my 7mm-08ai when it's done. On my burn chart it's right in there with varget, 4895, blc2 and CFE223 .

In the absolute hammer thread spreadsheet it looks like it was used effectively in a couple short action rounds.

 

[Elkeater]

Here's some absolute hammer load data from the thread

 

[Seabeeken]

Interesting, testing 4166 tomorrow in my 284 and 250ai. It shots great in the 284 with Barnes 120 gr

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

Here's some absolute hammer load data from the threadView attachment 271675

This is for absolute hammers. They are way different loading than regular hammer hunters.

 

[Elkeater]

This is for absolute hammers. They are way different loading than regular hammer hunters.

True. Well I'm assuming true. I haven't actually used them yet but I have fair amount of experience with hammer hunters and those are also low engraving pressure so it might roughly translate though I would certainly start lower with hammer hunters.

 

[GLTaylor]

Please Do Not translate Absolute Hammer load data to Hammer Hunters. Though Hunters are lower engraving than regular projectiles, the Absolutes are a whole other animal. Absolutes require Much faster powder and a lot more of it, especially in moderate sized (non-magnum) cartridges.
Be careful out there!

 

[Kmccord]

Looking at Hodgdon load data for a 123gr Hornady soft point, they start out at 34.2gr of IMR 4166 and end at 38.0gr. Is this a good starting point for the 124gr. Hammer Hunters?

 

[sierracharlie338]

@GLTaylor @RockyMtnMT ^^^^^

 

[GLTaylor]

For the Hunters, start just under max and go up from there. I'd start about 36.5 or 37.

 

[JAYgs8163]

I ran 4166 with the 101 HH yesterday in my 6 Creedmoor. Pressured out at 36 immediately and blew primer. It was also very dirty and the bullet may be releasing to soon due to how fast it is. It may require a crimp @ButterBean process to hold the bullet a little longer, but with it blowing primers so soon I will try something slower.

 

[DWier]

I have no experience with IMR 4166 or hammer bullets although I'm getting ready to order for 270, 280 and 308. However in my 6.5 cms I load for I use IMR 4451, 41gr with berger 130gr otm hybrid and have seen very good results in 3 different guns. I would be interested to know what load data you come up with.

 

[ButterBean]

I ran 4166 with the 101 HH yesterday in my 6 Creedmoor. Pressured out at 36 immediately and blew primer. It was also very dirty and the bullet may be releasing to soon due to how fast it is. It may require a crimp @ButterBean process to hold the bullet a little longer, but with it blowing primers so soon I will try something slower.View attachment 271884

What was your case fill like ?