Well I bit the bullet and ordered some hammers…help appreciated, don’t wanna waste them

[Calvin45]

Well I finally did it and ordered me some hammer bullets. It would be far to costly at this moment in life to try them in all the cartridges I load for so I decided on one:

The 257 weatherby magnum, 10 twist.

I ordered 200 of the 75 grai. Hammer hunters and 100 of the 90 grain absolute hammers

I will peruse the posted load data

But I appreciate insight as to where to start. @ButterBean , @GLTaylor , @Zen Archery, @RockyMtnMT @HammerBullets if yall have any starting direction for me im all ears. I'll watch Butterbeans vids on YouTube again as well.

I presently have 7828 ssc, h4831, h4350, leverevolution, superformance, cfe223, and a partial container of enduron 4955 at my disposal.

 

[Muddyboots]

Do you want a calculated load from the best technical data aligned with the moon and tides?

Or just prognostication from Funk and Wagnals mayonnaise jar? Just trying to help my bud in O'Canada.

 

[Calvin45]

Do you want a calculated load from the best technical data aligned with the moon and tides?

Or just prognostication from Funk and Wagnals mayonnaise jar? Just trying to help my bud in O'Canada.

Sorry I forgot to include you in the list! .

I'm as far away from an ocean as can be, I don't give a rat's furry behind about the tide!

Do you have a .257 bee?

Either way, which powder do you think makes sense to start with for either bullet?

 

[GLTaylor]

Calvin45,
Look at the Absolute Hammer Load Data posted on this Forum
4831 or 4350 will do well in your rifle.

 

[Calvin45]

Calvin45,
Look at the Absolute Hammer Load Data posted on this Forum
4831 or 4350 will do well in your rifle.

Yep lookin into it. Thanks man.

 

[Calvin45]

@snox801 get in here friend! I see you have kick-a$s data for h4350 with the 90 ah.

 

[Muddyboots]

Hodgdon also has couple loads for 75 that is good place to start with H4831 and H4350. General rule that most follow is build ladder until you see pressure then back off 1 full grain. Use at least 2X fired brass so you have fully fireformed brass. Also, start with clean bore, Hammers seem to like that better. Speed seems to equal best accuracy. Holy cow! The 75's should SCREAM!!!

 

[Muddyboots]

I am betting prognosticating you will hit 4100 with the 75HH with H4350!!!

 

[Calvin45]

I am betting prognosticating you will hit 4100 with the 75HH with H4350!!!

hoping for 4400. Will accept 4000. Realistically expecting 4200

 

[Muddyboots]

26" barrel?

 

[Calvin45]

24. Wby vanguard stainless

 

[Zen Archery]

Nosler is a better guide. Hornady and Hodgdon starts to low (meaning waste powder and bullets).
Do 1 bullet pressure test 1.0gr increments. When you find pressure you are comfortable using. Load 2-3 loads of 2-3 bullets in that pressure range. Usually .5gr variation. Find what you like and you're good to go.

CONFESSION: I've loaded so many hammers. I've gotten to the point I'll find pressure and use that as my hunting load. 99.9% of all my hunting is under 250 yards. I've taken a few 400 yard shots and both the coyote and hog dropped using this method.

I do have a chronographer but I pay no attention to ES or SD. I'm only hunting to 250 yards. Velocity is to verify pressure.

Hope that's helpful.

 

[Koda_]

Nosler is a better guide. Hornady and Hodgdon starts to low (meaning waste powder and bullets).
Do 1 bullet pressure test 1.0gr increments. When you find pressure you are comfortable. Load 2-3 loads of 2-3 bullets. Find what you like and you're good to go.

Can you expand on this or clarify for me... if you find pressure with 1 shot tests and back off a grain is that all thats needed for Hammers?


I wasted an expensive 50rd box of hammers doing a traditional OCW "ladder" this year and my first thought was just doing a 1 round/1 grain ladder till I reached pressure sign. I was amazed by how well the Hammers grouped nearly the same at all charge weights, as well as how too low published load data started at applying to the Hammers.

 

[Hard rock]

Can you expand on this or clarify for me... if you find pressure with 1 shot tests and back off a grain is that all thats needed for Hammers?


I wasted an expensive 50rd box of hammers doing a traditional OCW "ladder" this year and my first thought was just doing a 1 round/1 grain ladder till I reached pressure sign. I was amazed by how well the Hammers grouped nearly the same at all charge weights, as well as how too low published load data started at applying to the Hammers.

I'm betting H-4831 will outrun H4350 before pressure.