Faster Powder For Hammers?

[Sheltowee]

If I could, would like to pick the brains of y'all that have had success loading Hammers.

My deer load for my .257 Ackley last year was a 100gr. Barnes over AA4350 doing 3050fps from a 21inch barrel. I was really hoping to be in the 3200fps range. This year, I'm going to experiment with the Hammer 95gr. HHT. I still have a good bit of the AA4350 but also have a pound of two of H4831sc, which seems to be the recommended powder for most .257 Ackley loads. That said, I've seen a few mentions of Hammers doing better with a faster burning powder than typical for a given cartridge/weight range. I have a decent stockpile of Varget and an considering loading a ladder test with that, thinking I'll maximize Hammers' apparent preference for faster powders and getting the most out of a shorter barrel. So which would y'all suggest-- H4831sc or Varget?

What say ye, wise men (and women) of the internet?

 

[MThuntr]

Their data suggests (for 257+P which may be slow for 257AI but a good starting place) either would get you to where you want to be with either powder with a slight advantage to 4831. With a shorter barrel you may see them be basically equal so the Varget may be a good place to start.

Load Data - Hammer Bullets

Hammer Bullets® Load Data Shooting firearms can be dangerous. Firearms and reloading equipment not taken care of can lead to catastrophic failure, danger, and death. Environmental conditions can drastically impact firearms, powders, and primers. Companies may update components such as powders...

hammerbullets.com

 

[mtmuley]

If I could, would like to pick the brains of y'all that have had success loading Hammers.

My deer load for my .257 Ackley last year was a 100gr. Barnes over AA4350 doing 3050fps from a 21inch barrel. I was really hoping to be in the 3200fps range. This year, I'm going to experiment with the Hammer 95gr. HHT. I still have a good bit of the AA4350 but also have a pound of two of H4831sc, which seems to be the recommended powder for most .257 Ackley loads. That said, I've seen a few mentions of Hammers doing better with a faster burning powder than typical for a given cartridge/weight range. I have a decent stockpile of Varget and an considering loading a ladder test with that, thinking I'll maximize Hammers' apparent preference for faster powders and getting the most out of a shorter barrel. So which would y'all suggest-- H4831sc or Varget?

What say ye, wise men (and women) of the internet?

Steve picks up the phone when you call Hammer. mtmuley

 

[williaada]

Steve, answers and will give you the info you need. He helped me with a load for my .280ai

 

[antelopedundee]

My recollection is that powder burn rate may not be the same for say the Hammer Hunters vs the Absolute Hammers. Seems I recall for the AH is that you want the fastest powder that nearly fills the case. For my 6.5-06 and 123 AH and using Enduron powders that would likely put it as IMR 4451 being as fast as I would use.

 

[yakimanoob]

+1 for just calling Steve and talking to him. I don't know how long he can keep that up as his products get more popular, but best to take advantage while you can!

 

[Sheltowee]

Talked with Steve and he was super helpful. He suggested something in the H4350 range, starting around 47.0gr. and working up. Stay tuned.

 

[Sheltowee]

Update: loaded a ladder test using a modified version of Steve’s suggested method of loading to pressure signs, then backing off slightly. Loaded 2 rounds each of Varget at .3gr intervals from 43.9 to 45.1gr., H4350 from 47.5 to 48.7gr and H4831sc from 53.2 to 54.4gr. The Varget rounds are a good bit below case capacity, the H4350 slightly below case capacity and the H4831sc full to compressed.

I’ll shoot each of these ladders, find pressure and back down .3gr. Then I’ll load 10x each of the two most promising powders and test for ES/SD. I’d like an ES below 20 but Steve says he is more than comfortable hunting with anything below 30.

[insert standard disclaimer about doing your own research and not relying on this data, don’t blow your face off, etc etc]