Hammer Loading

[christian1]

I always start with .5 grain increments initially. Ended up at 42.5 grains of Varget with the 120 HH, stays consistently right under MOA

42.5 of Varget is super low. 42 is the starting point. I thought these things like a lot more velocity? What was the FPS on that load? Did you use a magnum primer?

 

[FishfinderAK]

42.5 of Varget is super low. 42 is the starting point. I thought these things like a lot more velocity? What was the FPS on that load? Did you use a magnum primer?

We’re getting 2904 out of our 20” barreled 7/08. Using mag primers, 45 varget, and 120 HH.

 

[christian1]

Sounds like people are sticking to the low side of the charge weight. Is that because accuracy suffers on the high side?

 

[BAKPAKR]

I am giving 124 gr Hammer Hunters a whirl in a 300 RUM. On the first trip out, I got up to 3831 fps. Unless I run out of case capacity, I don’t think I will have any trouble hitting 3900 fps.

 

[christian1]

I am giving 124 gr Hammer Hunters a whirl in a 300 RUM. On the first trip out, I got up to 3831 fps. Unless I run out of case capacity, I don’t think I will have any trouble hitting 3900 fps.

Steve thought I would easily being running 3200fps with my 7mm08. I didn't really care to run it that fast, but if that's what people are getting then so be it. Before I go load a bunch of tests that are "hot" I wanted to get a pulse on what people are finding works with Varget in the7mm08. I thought I would end up around 36 or 37 grains, but the last two posters are staying well within normal Nosler recommended powder charges.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Steve thought I would easily being running 3200fps with my 7mm08. I didn't really care to run it that fast, but if that's what people are getting then so be it. Before I go load a bunch of tests that are "hot" I wanted to get a pulse on what people are finding works with Varget in the7mm08. I thought I would end up around 36 or 37 grains, but the last two posters are staying well within normal Nosler recommended powder charges.

I am still a few grains below the max load Nosler lists for 125 gr Accubonds and everything looks good.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I just ran 30-06 152 grain HH thru chrono. 0.02 off lands. I did not crimp as some have recommended but I do have 0.004 neck tension. Steve estimated 100 fps over max. I loaded from 49 grains to 56 grains in 1 grain increments. 54-56 grains is hot. I could tell a subtle change in bolt lift but barely. Primers were cratered. Max velocity was 3254 fps. I hit pressure right around 3050-3100 fps. I also noticed between 54-56 grains the rifle sounded different when I fired. More of a quick snap vs. the typical drawn out rifle sound. I'm going to chrono 52.5 grains which should put me right a 3075 fps. I was going to push 53 or 53.5 grains but I decided to put on the brakes. My kids also shoot this rifle and there is no need to gain a few more fps and put anyone at risk.

 

[JakeSCH]

I just ran 30-06 152 grain HH thru chrono. 0.02 off lands. I did not crimp as some have recommended but I do have 0.004 neck tension. Steve estimated 100 fps over max. I loaded from 49 grains to 56 grains in 1 grain increments. 54-56 grains is hot. I could tell a subtle change in bolt lift but barely. Primers were cratered. Max velocity was 3254 fps. I hit pressure right around 3050-3100 fps. I also noticed between 54-56 grains the rifle sounded different when I fired. More of a quick snap vs. the typical drawn out rifle sound. I'm going to chrono 52.5 grains which should put me right a 3075 fps. I was going to push 53 or 53.5 grains but I decided to put on the brakes. My kids also shoot this rifle and there is no need to gain a few more fps and put anyone at risk.

What powder are you using?

 

[Boreal]

I'm running 124HH from my Kimber Montana 6.5 Creedmoor at 2950 fps on 40.5 gr Varget from Lapua small primer brass and small magnums. 1/8 turn on the Lee crimp die. Three shot groups at 0.4" at 100 off bags, 5 shot groups at 0.68. Seems like it'll work.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

What powder are you using?

H4895

 

[MTAntelope]

I’m

Question for the guys loading hammers, are you using magnum primers in standard cartridges? Thought I saw somewhere that Steve redacted the magnum primer recommendation. Going to be loading up some for my 280ai and 338-06. 155s over RL26 in the 280 and 205s over RL17 in the 338. Both cases will burn 60ish grains of powder. I have both CCI BR2 and F215M on hand.

I didn’t ever think that was a blanket recommendation, only something to consider on cartridges that are overbore but aren’t necessarily considered “magnum”, like the 270 Win or the 25-06. I’ve had good luck with CCI250s and the 270 when using Hammer bullets.

 

[CApighunter]

I’m

I didn’t ever think that was a blanket recommendation, only something to consider on cartridges that are overbore but aren’t necessarily considered “magnum”, like the 270 Win or the 25-06. I’ve had good luck with CCI250s and the 270 when using Hammer bullets.

I’ve been using 215Ms in the 280 and BR2s in the 338 for over a year now with good success. My thoughts are that a magnum primer may work better with slower burn rate powders.

 

[Stalker69]

What are you guys doing if your bullet sets with the valley of one of the grooves ending up with the edge of the case neck ?

 

[OXN939]

What are you guys doing if your bullet sets with the valley of one of the grooves ending up with the edge of the case neck ?

The Lee Factory Crimp Die helps with this. Best 20 bucks you'll spend.

42.5 of Varget is super low. 42 is the starting point. I thought these things like a lot more velocity? What was the FPS on that load? Did you use a magnum primer?

No magnum primer- I use Federal 210M match primers. I'm around 2850 I think. Probably could have gone higher, but stopped when I got repeatably sub-MOA groups with good ES.

 

[Stalker69]

I have a Lee factory crimp coming, should be here today, thank you !

 

[92xj]

I apologize for not reading the thread so not sure what cal you folks are interested in. I’ve been running Hammers for years now for my 300wm. This year’s load is 180hh, 72.3gr rl23 fed match primer running 3130fps. Average shooter with hells canyon speed. 200 yards this morning resulted in a 9 round group just under 1.5”.

 

[Stalker69]

I'm running 124HH from my Kimber Montana 6.5 Creedmoor at 2950 fps on 40.5 gr Varget from Lapua small primer brass and small magnums. 1/8 turn on the Lee crimp die. Three shot groups at 0.4" at 100 off bags, 5 shot groups at 0.68. Seems like it'll work.

When you crimp with the Lee factory crimp die, do you get a bit of ragged edge. You can see where the brass got slightly “ pinched” I guess I would say ?

 

[jb338]

View attachment 193920

Went ahead and sent it for my next load development project. Hadn't seen a thread on them in a while, but after listening to the Hunt Backcountry podcast with Steve, it was very obvious that a large amount of thought and research had been put into their design. Anyway, figured I'd start a thread to share end user experiences and lessons learned, as well as some ballistic tests eventually. Any tips, techniques or pet recipes for 6.5 CM, 7mm-08 or .308 with the above projectiles would be much appreciated!

 

[jb338]

here is some load data from users of hammer bullets. hope this helps.

 

[OXN939]

here is some load data from users of hammer bullets. hope this helps.

Man that's some real deal work. Thanks for getting that together!