Which Hammer for 10 twist 300 Sherman

[nksmfamjp]

Right now I'm shooting 180's at 3050fps. So performance is about 300 WM level, I guess. I'd like to try Hammers.

I'd like them to expand when I hit an animal. This is a walking hunting rifle…10.5lbs, 10 twist #3 Brux.

I'll be hunting deer and elk with this rifle…..mostly deer. I'm probably looking mostly 400-600 yards, but would like the load capable of 1000yds as I grow.

I'd be willing to go to a smaller bullet weight, but I guess I worry that raising velocity over 3100fps could eat up some barrel life, right? Everything is running 55ksi to 65ksi, so it has to be the velocities killing the throat in magnums, right.

I'm torn between the 166 and 174 hammer hunters….or something else?

 

[Andrew Massi]

Velocity isn't hurting your throat powders like rl 33 and n570 through small necks is burning up that throat.
Seems the hammer clan has gone light and fast so 124 or 137

 

[6.5saum/300rum]

I think you are on the right track with the 166 and 174's. I would probably order both to see what your gun likes better. Call Steve at hammer bullets he's a great guy and will probably have load data for you.

 

[adam32+P]

The 124 or 137 for now and then switch to the Berger 215gr once your yardage grows.

 

[nksmfamjp]

The 124 or 137 for now and then switch to the Berger 215gr once your yardage grows.

Wouldn't that get me like 3350 fps…ouch

 

[nksmfamjp]

What kind of impact velocities give good expansion on game? I'm sure over 2000 fps expands well, but what are you seeing at 1500 or below?

 

[6.5saum/300rum]

I think the minimum velocity they recommend is 1800 fps for reliable expansion.

 

[adam32+P]

Wouldn't that get me like 3350 fps…ouch

Faster the better for mono metal bullets.

 

[willfrye027]

I had excellent performance at 2050 fps with the 151 absolute hammer. Blew a baseball sized chunk of liver out the exit hole.

I would consider the 150gr absolute hammer..no idea what your top speeds could be but it's 200fps faster than my standard 150gr 30-06 load.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Faster the better for mono metal bullets.

That worries me. They tend to have worse bc's and much high min expansion velocities….

 

[adam32+P]

That worries me. They tend to have worse bc's and much high min expansion velocities….

That's why you want to run them faster...to make up for the lack of BC and min expansion.. At your yardages, you will be impressed, especially if you run light for caliber at fast as possible.