172 absolute hammers 280ai

[Seth1913]

Anybody try this combo?

 

[dieselchessy]

I haven’t tried the 172’s but have the 143 and 155. With those bullets it seems they don’t change the boat tail or ojive shape, they just add shank. It seems like a marginal gain in BC for just extra weight and length.
I settled on the 143. They drive through without issue. A 143 is very similar in shape and length to a 162 Amax. That really seems to be a sweet spot for the 7mm bullet.

 

[BjornF16]

just realize the 172 AH needs a fast twist barrel

 

[Seth1913]

I have some 155 hunters to try. I understood the absolutes require a faster powder and wanted to see if anyone’s worked up a recipe for them. Seems like a viable option if the increase in velocity is achievable.

 

[SDHNTR]

I don't see the point. I love Hammer, but I think they are chasing way too many rabbits. IMO, they need to slow down and streamline their offerings. They are setting themselves up for problems. You don't need 1000 offerings. It just creates consumer confusion and inventory challenges. Many a biz has hosed themselves trying to keep up with too many sku's. Ever go to a restaurant that has dozens of things on the menu? You know they can't keep all those ingredients fresh and deliver good quality!

 

[Seth1913]

I don't see the point. I love Hammer, but I think they are chasing way too many rabbits. IMO, they need to slow down and streamline their offerings. They are setting themselves up for problems. You don't need 1000 offerings. It just creates consumer confusion and inventory challenges. Many a biz has hosed themselves trying to keep up with too many sku's. Ever go to a restaurant that has dozens of things on the menu? You know they can't keep all those ingredients fresh and deliver good quality!

Oh I agree 100% to many offerings. But at the same time I would like to see a 165 ish absolute hammer instead of the 172 and 169 offerings.

 

[gbflyer]

Too heavy for 280ai. Those things like warp speed.

 

[magnum44270]

wondering the same with the 172.... dont like the idea.of running a 140g ish bullet in a 280ai. If i wanted 140g id have went with 7mm08, 284 or another 6.5x55 or prc

 

[waitforit]

I don't have an answer to contribute but I'll say that I'm going no heavier than 155 HH in my upcoming 7mm PRC load.

 

[tabascoman79]

My buddies 280ai loved 180gr bergers. He shot the crap out of it. I’m planning the 193s in my 7mm practical

 

[MattB]

Monos like speed, I personally would go that heavy unless I was shooting a lead core bullet.

 

[WestMOhunter]

As stated by a couple, 172 monos are too heavy for the .280 AI. In my opinion, it’s 140s for .280, 155 for 7 RM/PRC, and 172 for 28 Nosler. We’ll see about terminal performance, but so far they are sure forgiving. Just worked up 140 gr Absolute Hammers for a 24” .280 AI w/ 8.4 twist. Reloder 16 from 57.5-61.0 gr and shot one group. Saw 3090 - 3296 and shot 1.02”. No pressure at 61.0. If I threw out the 57.5 grain round, it shot .636” in that ~150 FPS range. I know some don’t like monos, but 3,300 is ripping. Will be interested to learn what the BC really is once I shoot to 600.

 

[magnum44270]

I ended up running the 155ah at 3030fps this season. Results were 50/50 on game inside 400. Will go lighter, 145hht or shock hammers if I try them again

 

[WestMOhunter]

I ended up running the 155ah at 3030fps this season. Results were 50/50 on game inside 400. Will go lighter, 145hht or shock hammers if I try them again

Curious, when you say 50/50 do you mean good hit, but no recovery? Or just less than stellar response to being hit, but still dead animal?

 

[magnum44270]

Still dead animals, but bullet did not perform as designed

 

[leachguy]

I'm with the others. Speed with the Hammers. Heaviest I could do in my Sako 30-06 was the 160 HH when I bought last year. Shot a bull at 270yds with it. He lurched, a few steps, fell over. Recovered the shank on the off side under the hide, you can see the petal circle around it against the hide as well. I regret not cutting open the chest cavity to check internals but I assume they were jelly based on the immediate tip over.
After that I'd maybe switch to the new 162g (or whatever weight it is) tipped bullets, but these did great and I'd want no heavier to keep my speed up.