Barnes or Hammer or........

[tacks]

I usually shoot Barnes 150s in my 308. Putting a Tikka with a 16" barrel, 10 twist, and suppressor together and looking for suggestions on bullets. Son in law says try the 124 Hammer? Ideas?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Are you excluding lead for a specific reason?

 

[S.Clancy]

Hammers perform well IME, if you are after monolithic. Not as good as ELDX/ELDM/etc., but way better than Barnes

 

[tacks]

No not really. I have been happy with the Barnes performance but.......thinking of trying others. I have read the posts on the Scenar 155 and may try them to.

I may need to go lead if I do not load hot. Talker to Hammer and they said above 1800fps it would perform. I have yet to talk to Barnes. I am wanting to stay at or below 2400-2500fps max. Looking for low recoil for hunting with grandchildren.

 

[grizz19]

I’ve shot both. Hammers are more consistent weight wise bullet to bullet if that matters to you. I’ve never had a box of hammers vary more that .1 grains bullet to bullet. My buddy had a box of Barnes vary .75 grains one time. Bout average .3-.5 bullet to bullet. Hammers are easier to load and seem to be more accurate in my guns. Barnes killed great though. Never had a failure with either.

 

[tacks]

Hammers perform well IME, if you are after monolithic. Not as good as ELDX/ELDM/etc., but way better than Barnes

If I want to go light the M is it at 155. Will it perform hunting?

 

[S.Clancy]

If I want to go light the M is it at 155. Will it perform hunting?

I would stay on the heavier side if you are going ELDM for a .308

If you want to go light, stick to the Hammers, IMO

 

[tacks]

I would stay on the heavier side if you are going ELDM for a .308

If you want to go light, stick to the Hammers, IMO

Thanks, Would you say the same about going to a 150 Accubond also?

 

[cubdriver84d]

DRT Terminal Shock is worth a look. We have a couple threads going on them.

C

Thread 'DRT Terminal Shock Load Data'

Feb 13, 2024

Starting to work up some loads for the Dynamic Research Technologies Terminal Shock bullets. Data seems limited so thought I’d start a thread to compile some. Please post what you’ve got!

They have some data on their webpage but very limited: https://drtammo.com/load-data/


What I’ve tried so far:

Tikka 6.5 prc (rechambered creed), 20” with tbac ultra 7
135 terminal shock
2.863” oal
ADG brass
Gm215m
H4831sc
53gr - 2849 fps
54 - 2890
55 - 2920
56 - 2952
56.5 - 2953
57 - 2995 (slightly stiff bolt)
57 - 3013 (slightly stiff bolt)
57.5 - 3029 (stiff bolt)

Loaded and shot 10 at 56gr...

• cubdriver84d
• Replies: 104
• Forum: Reloading

• 

Thread 'DRT Terminal shock results on game'

Sep 21, 2024

Is anyone shooting DRT Terminal Shock on game and does anyone have any first hand knowledge of how the performed? Pictures? Testimonials etc….??

• Jfjfrye
• Replies: 26
• Forum: Long Range Hunting

 

[S.Clancy]

Thanks, Would you say the same about going to a 150 Accubond also?

I've never hunted with Accubonds so I wouldn't be able to give great feedback.

 

[aachey]

I think generally when you go lighter with the match bullets is when they tend to be “fragmentive”. Usually keeping them heavier they seem to stay together better. You shouldn’t have to worry about an accubond fragmenting with those lower speeds.

 

[wapitibob]

I had good results with both but moved away from them because in my rifle 195 Bergers are way more accurate.

Hammer removed the oil from the tips of the hammer hunters and I have seen reports they no longer work as well as the original. A long thread on hammers over on long range hunting forum.

 

[AkMtnRunner]

The Barnes 130 ttsx is a great performer. I used TAC powder with great velocity from my 18” barrel.

If wanting lighter recoil than that, going to a smaller caliber and lead bullet is probably a better direction.

 

[aachey]

I think generally when you go lighter with the match bullets is when they tend to be “fragmentive”. Usually keeping them heavier they seem to stay together better. You shouldn’t have to worry about an accubond fragmenting with those lower speeds.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

impact velocity is what really drives the fragmentation, and with a lighter match bullet there is less material available to fragment. at higher impact velocities you really need a heavier for caliber bullet to get penetration, but a 16" 308 is not going to create super high impact velocities.

anyhow, if it's not too late, try switching to a 6 creed or 6 dasher barrel order. you're going to get better ballistics, less recoil, and more effective wounds. 16" 308 is a tough starting point for a low-recoil hunting rifle.

 

[z987k]

impact velocity is what really drives the fragmentation, and with a lighter match bullet there is less material available to fragment. at higher impact velocities you really need a heavier for caliber bullet to get penetration, but a 16" 308 is not going to create super high impact velocities.

anyhow, if it's not too late, try switching to a 6 creed or 6 dasher barrel order. you're going to get better ballistics, less recoil, and more effective wounds. 16" 308 is a tough starting point for a low-recoil hunting rifle.

If he runs 135s or so in it, they'll launch pretty quick. Just won't be able to keep that velocity very far.

 

[tacks]

impact velocity is what really drives the fragmentation, and with a lighter match bullet there is less material available to fragment. at higher impact velocities you really need a heavier for caliber bullet to get penetration, but a 16" 308 is not going to create super high impact velocities.

anyhow, if it's not too late, try switching to a 6 creed or 6 dasher barrel order. you're going to get better ballistics, less recoil, and more effective wounds. 16" 308 is a tough starting point for a low-recoil hunting rifle.

Oh it is to late, unless you want to talk to my wife. Just kidding, this is the way I want it set up. The length of barrel removed is close to my suppressor length and weight. I am not looking to shoot 500 yards.

I like the Barnes as I find not parts when cutting and grinding. I am looking at others as I am not getting the best groups from another 308, and thinking why not try others.

 

[Hondo64d]

I usually shoot Barnes 150s in my 308. Putting a Tikka with a 16" barrel, 10 twist, and suppressor together and looking for suggestions on bullets. Son in law says try the 124 Hammer? Ideas?

I’ve tried the 68gr Hammer HHTs in my .22GT. One of the easiest bullets to get to group well I have ever tried. Settled on a load with about a 3400fps MV. The BC though, was grossly over stated. I’ve only killed one critter with them, a decent sized boar at a little over 400 yards, and he was DRT with a pass through.

John

 

[z987k]

Oh it is to late, unless you want to talk to my wife. Just kidding, this is the way I want it set up. The length of barrel removed is close to my suppressor length and weight. I am not looking to shoot 500 yards.

I like the Barnes as I find not parts when cutting and grinding. I am looking at others as I am not getting the best groups from another 308, and thinking why not try others.

The apex 135 or 144 would be a really good option in that short barrel and keep the velocity a lot further than any other copper bullet of that weight.
For terminal performance, I'd go with the 135gr DRT.

 

[schmidty3]

A super light load behind a 125 gr ballistic tip would scramble some deer for about as light of recoil you could get out of a 308.

Heavy for caliber 223 or 6 creed would be a better choice if you are wanting to shoot any distance.