Hammer Hunters vs Shock Hammers

[FishfinderAK]

Hello
I’m looking to try out the Hammer bullets for our Tikkas. We have a 7mm/08 and 300 WM.
Ideally, I’m hoping for more leas-free “bang flops” but also want the deep penetration.
We hunt blacktail deer, black bears, and goats all in brown bear country. Not interested in taking shots beyond 400 yrds.
It seems the Shock Hammers fit this niche nicely. But I don’t hear many guys shooting them. Seems most are shooting the Hunters.
Why? What’s the difference between the two?
Thank you!

 

[ericacymcdonald]

I haven't actually used hammer bullets yet but just bought a box of the hunter 143s for my 280ai yesterday. When I was researching them the difference is in the weight retention and size of the hollow point. Shock hammer is 80% weight retention and a larger hollow point then the hunters which is 60-70% retention and a smaller hollow point. For under 400 yards I'd go with the shock hammers as bc won't matter as much

 

[Runningwater]

I ended up with the hunters (166) for my 30-06. Only had one game shot so far and it was a black bear at 30yrds so not too much of a test - it worked great as would have an old Rem CorLock!
I don't think you could go wrong with either for your needs. There is also the Absolute Hunters now just to make your decision harder. To me the biggest advantage of the Shock (used to be Sledgehammer I think) is that they shorter per bullet weight so can be helpful in that (1) can stabilize at a lower twist rate for a given bullet weight and (2) can better accommodate rifles with limited bullet length. The tikkas usually don't have very high twist rates is my understanding so depending on what bullet weight you want to shoot that might lead you to the Shocks.....

 

[CApighunter]

I killed one animal with each bullet this season, a small blacktail buck and a mid sized hog. Admittedly, they were different calibers and weights so not exactly and apples to apples comparison. Both shots were under 100 yards. My buck was taken with a 155 hammer hunter from my 280ai at 3000 fps muzzle velocity. My hog was with a 205 shock hammer from a 338-06 at 2800fps. Expansion was noticeably better with the 338 as was the wound channel, the hog never took a step and sprayed blood and meat chunks about 6-8 feet behind it. The deer made it about 30 yards before I put a follow up shot in the neck. I’ll continue to use both as a sample of one isn’t enough to draw a conclusion, but over all I’ve been pleased with both, but impressed with the 338.

 

[wildwilderness]

The Shok Hammer retains too much weight if you want a Bang Flop. it is designed for deep penetration.

The Hammer Hunter will actually have more shock since more of the petals break off. There is actually a Dead Blow bullet in some calibers that only retains 50% weight. For the animals listed I would go Hunter or Dead Blow. No matter what the core will penetrate deep!

 

[wyosam]

I’ve used both with great results. Generally you can run a little heavier shockhammer. Shockhammers are supposed to open faster, and this has been consistent with my observations on game. The wound channel opens up a little sooner it seems. Both have been devastating on game.


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[FishfinderAK]

Great info guys. Thank you for the discussion!

Ya there’s not really any easy answer right. I mean I want bang flops, so as to not track deer in bear brush or goat off cliff. BUT also want deep penetration on brown bears, in case of an oh sh!t.

Im hoping the 2 are not mutually exclusive. It seems that Hammer is the best middle ground. Just not sure which hammer line...

 

[wildwilderness]

Great info guys. Thank you for the discussion!

Ya there’s not really any easy answer right. I mean I want bang flops, so as to not track deer in bear brush or goat off cliff. BUT also want deep penetration on brown bears, in case of an oh sh!t.

Im hoping the 2 are not mutually exclusive. It seems that Hammer is the best middle ground. Just not sure which hammer line...

Call Steve at Hammer, he always answers and will discuss. I will tell you what he likes though- fast bullets. If you are an experienced reloader? the Absolute hammer will go fast and hit hard. For the 7-08 the 120 or 130gr Hammer hunter would work well, and if willing to test it, the 140 AH should go as fast as the 130 or more, with more mass. For the 300 WM you have a lot of options, all of which would work on a brown bear.