Hammer Velocity

[morgaj1]

About to start working up a 7mm RM load with Hammer Hunters. From my research, it seems that the Hammers consistently generate more velocity than other bullets of the same size, using comparable loads of powder. Why is that?

 

[TheJason]

Less bearing surface. Not sure if the alloy composition contributes as well. I imagine it does.

 

[mtmuley]

About to start working up a 7mm RM load with Hammer Hunters. From my research, it seems that the Hammers consistently generate more velocity than other bullets of the same size, using comparable loads of powder. Why is that?

If you really want velocity, look at the new Absolute Hammer. mtmuley

 

[antelopedundee]

Any ideas about what might be the preferred powder/s for the .264 130 grainer in say a 6.5-06? Be nice to make IMR7977 or Reloder23 work. The IMR7977 isn't right up there as a top velocity producer.

 

[mtmuley]

Probably the best thing about Hammers is you can pick up the phone and talk to the guy that personally makes the bullets. He loads them in dozens of cartridges, develops loads and he shoots them. You might wait a few days to call, because right now he is hunting, and killing stuff with Hammers. mtmuley

 

[44hunter45]

I talked with Steve today. I called and got the answering machine, which says,"please do not leave a message. "
5 minutes later Steve called to say he saw my number in his missed calls.
That's pretty cool.

We talked about starting loads for 131 Hammers in a 9 1/2 twist 7mm RM and 121 Heavy Hammers in my 9 twist 264 WM.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

I talked with Steve today. I called and got the answering machine, which says,"please do not leave a message. "
5 minutes later Steve called to say he saw my number in his missed calls.
That's pretty cool.

We talked about starting loads for 131 Hammers in a 9 1/2 twist 7mm RM and 121 Heavy Hammers in my 9 twist 264 WM.

What did he say about the heavy hammers, I have a .264WM with a 9 twist and was eyeing the heavy hammers.

 

[mtmuley]

What did he say about the heavy hammers, I have a .264WM with a 9 twist and was eyeing the heavy hammers.

Call him. It's worth it. mtmuley

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Call him. It's worth it. mtmuley

I've had a hard time finding retumbo, but I have 80% of a jar of 4831... decent sub in your opinion for a .264 win mag?

And yeah I will give him a call before I order.

 

[44hunter45]

What did he say about the heavy hammers, I have a .264WM with a 9 twist and was eyeing the heavy hammers.

121 grain. H1000 or slower powder. He said RL-26 should be ok if you have it. He would reach for RL-33 first. He said these should be fine even in my 24"
Expect laser beam velocities.

I ordered samplers of the .264-121 Heavy Hammer Hunter and .284-131 Hammer Hunter today.

I am expecting my 35 Whelen and 6.5 Swede rifles back from the gunsmith before too long. These will get Hammers from day one.

 

[44hunter45]

I've had a hard time finding retumbo, but I have 80% of a jar of 4831... decent sub in your opinion for a .264 win mag?

And yeah I will give him a call before I order.

Magnum, RL-33, N570, etc.

4831 would be too fast for a first choice.

 

[Dougfirtree]

Man, I have a good load, but you guys are really making me want to try Hammers...

 

[44hunter45]

Call him. It's worth it. mtmuley

The only downside of calling him is that now I really want to build a 358 RUM. Steve said they are wanting to try something for a fast twist 358.

 

[mtmuley]

The only downside of calling him is that now I really want to build a 358 RUM. Steve said they are wanting to try something for a fast twist 358.

He's always thinking. I'm happy this thing has taken off for Steve and Brian. They have worked hard. mtmuley

 

[antelopedundee]

What did he say about the heavy hammers, I have a .264WM with a 9 twist and was eyeing the heavy hammers.

Heavy Hammers are now called Hammer Hunters. Be aware that while the loading data for HH can be compared and used to something like the Barnes bullet of like weight, it should not be be used "verbatim" for the Absolute Hammers.

Reloading with Absolutes should be done by experienced hand loaders only, who are very good at reading pressure signs. These bullets require faster than normal powders for the cartridge and bullet weight. Load with extreme caution. Do Not transfer any of this data to other Hammer Bullets. This is only for Absolute Hammers. The following load data was developed and shared by our customers. Use at your own risk and work up to final loads in your firearm carefully. Any damage or injury resulting from overloads are the sole responsibility of the consumer/handloader.

So it seems like you would use the fastest powder that gives maybe 95+% load density. In my 6.506 and 6.5-06AI i'm thinking that would be something like Reloder 23 with the 123 grain AH.

 

[TheJason]

One thing I really appreciate about Steve is his common sense approach. He doesn’t tell you to throw money at a problem and isn’t out to sell you what you don’t need.

I spent about a half hour on the phone with him today troubleshooting my loads with some Absolute Hammers. I can’t confirm till later in the week, but I suspect a twist issue. We talked about dies and annealing as well, and he told me not to spend money on new stuff unless I just wanted to spend it.

That’s just good customer service. He ships within days, and sells a great product. I’ll support his business as long as they’ll sell me bullets.