Help with 7mm-08 Hammer load…

[Lonster]

I’m currently shooting Barnes TTSX 120 grains over 46.0 grains of Big Game.
This load produces sub moa results in my rifle and is devastating on Whitetails.

I cannot source any Barnes bullets at this time SO I have ordered some Hammer Hunters in 120 grains.

I have the following powders:
Big Game
H4350
H4831SC
Retumbo

Anyone have any load recommendations for these bullets?
thanks,
Lonster

 

[JLS]

I’m currently shooting Barnes TTSX 120 grains over 46.0 grains of Big Game.
This load produces sub moa results in my rifle and is devastating on Whitetails.

I cannot source any Barnes bullets at this time SO I have ordered some Hammer Hunters in 120 grains.

I have the following powders:
Big Game
H4350
H4831SC
Retumbo

Anyone have any load recommendations for these bullets?
thanks,
Lonster

I always look at Nosler data for similar weight bullets as my starting point. I’d try the Big Game and 4350 for starters. I think the 4831 might be a little slow for your application.

 

[turbobrick]

The only 7-08 HH stuff I could find was with Varget, but if the Big Game was working for you, I'd start there.

 

[Beanland_fan]

I use 50.0 grains Big Game with the 120 TTSX/NBT in my 7mm08. Looks like you could increase your powder charge unless perhaps you’re using federal brass.

 

[JLS]

The only 7-08 HH stuff I could find was with Varget, but if the Big Game was working for you, I'd start there.

I had a bunch of Hornady SuperPerformance on hand when I started loading for my 6.5. I tried that on a whim with the 124 Hammer Hunter and had excellent results with it. I could probably get a little more velocity with Varget though.

 

[Lonster]

I use 50.0 grains Big Game with the 120 TTSX/NBT in my 7mm08. Looks like you could increase your powder charge unless perhaps you’re using federal brass.

I'm using Norma brass.

 

[Lonster]

I always look at Nosler data for similar weight bullets as my starting point. I’d try the Big Game and 4350 for starters. I think the 4831 might be a little slow for your application.

Thanks, I'll start with Nosler's recommended min load and work up from there.

 

[Lonster]

I always look at Nosler data for similar weight bullets as my starting point. I’d try the Big Game and 4350 for starters. I think the 4831 might be a little slow for your application.

Yes I agree, the H4831SC and Retumbo are what I use in my 6.5-284 Norma.

 

[JLS]

I’ve found the Hammers to run lower pressure than Barnes. What primers? Steve recommends a magnum primer, regardless of the cartridge.

 

[Brian in Montana]

I've never tried Hammers, but I will say that in my 7mm-08 loading I've found Big Game to consistently give the best results. If I were you I'd just scale back 2 grains from what you were using in your Barnes load and work up gradually. Id be surprised if you don't find a very good load in there somewhere.

Also, I've been told the staff of Hammer bullets are very helpful and responsive. You might just give them a call and see if they have anything more specific to recommend.

 

[JLS]

I've been told the staff of Hammer bullets are very helpful and responsive.

Understatement of the year right there.

 

[Lonster]

Also, I've been told the staff of Hammer bullets are very helpful and responsive. You might just give them a call and see if they have anything more specific to recommend.

I'll give them a call this week and see what they have to say.
Thanks,
Lonster

 

[mtmuley]

I'll give them a call this week and see what they have to say.
Thanks,
Lonster

You won't regret talking with Steve. Also, Hammers site has a thread specifically for load data. mtmuley

 

[Lonster]

Well I tried to call someone at Hammer but nobody answered at either number. So I sent them an email this morning, no answer yet.

I loaded 3 rounds with 46 grains of Big Game.
100 yards from a bench, just over an inch.

3 rounds with 47 grains of Big Game 2 bullets touching and a flyer about an inch away.

No signs of excessive pressure, guess I’ll start loading up in .5 grain increases and see what I can do.

 

[homers]

Well I tried to call someone at Hammer but nobody answered at either number. So I sent them an email this morning, no answer yet.

I loaded 3 rounds with 46 grains of Big Game.
100 yards from a bench, just over an inch.

3 rounds with 47 grains of Big Game 2 bullets touching and a flyer about an inch away.

No signs of excessive pressure, guess I’ll start loading up in .5 grain increases and see what I can do.

They have a statement in their website saying they might be out hunting and there may be delayed communications. I did get a response from Steve via email last week.

 

[BucksnDucks]

I just got some 120 HHs and plan on using Varget, around 44 grains. If you can't find Varget

Nosler data for 120s, which folks sometimes recommend as comparable lists:

1. Big game at 48 gr starting with 52 gr max
2. IMR 4350 at 45 gr start with 49 gr max

There is also a forum for Hammer bullets which contains lots of load data, I believe it is linked from their web page.

 

[Lonster]

I just got some 120 HHs and plan on using Varget, around 44 grains. If you can't find Varget

Nosler data for 120s, which folks sometimes recommend as comparable lists:

1. Big game at 48 gr starting with 52 gr max
2. IMR 4350 at 45 gr start with 49 gr max

There is also a forum for Hammer bullets which contains lots of load data, I believe it is linked from their web page.

So I loaded 6 more rounds:
Powder: Ramshot Big Game
Primer: Fed. 210 Match
Case: Alpha Munitions
Bullet: 120 grain HH
COAL: 2.78”

47.5 grains of powder = 1.5” group

48.0 grains of powder = .89”

 

[JLS]

Looking good. Might try magnum primers if you have them.

 

[Lonster]

Looking good. Might try magnum primers if you have them.

Still have 900 Fed. Match 210 but no magnums.

 

[softtail103]

Custom 7mm-08 with a 22in barrel.
41.5 grains of Varget
WLMP
Alpha brass
131 Hammer Hunters
this runs out to 2906 fps. .441 group.