Hammer Loading

[452b264]

They state you dont need to play with seating depth but ?
I did a ladder test at .20 then loaded three rounds at .20 / .50 / .80 .20 went into a 5/8 inch group .50 shoots a ragged hole never shot .80..
Next I loaded up 9 rounds at .50 crimped at 1/8 turn, 1/4 and 3/8 mine load likes 1/8 turn

 

[OXN939]

They state you dont need to play with seating depth but ?
I did a ladder test at .20 then loaded three rounds at .20 / .50 / .80 .20 went into a 5/8 inch group .50 shoots a ragged hole never shot .80..
Next I loaded up 9 rounds at .50 crimped at 1/8 turn, 1/4 and 3/8 mine load likes 1/8 turn

Just played with my Lee FCD for the first time this weekend. With 1/4 a turn past initial contact, I can just barely make out the faintest crimping marks on the case neck. Would you guys also try a group crimped 1/8 a turn even though the crimping marks from twice that much are hardly visible?

 

[MattB]

They state you dont need to play with seating depth but ?
I did a ladder test at .20 then loaded three rounds at .20 / .50 / .80 .20 went into a 5/8 inch group .50 shoots a ragged hole never shot .80..
Next I loaded up 9 rounds at .50 crimped at 1/8 turn, 1/4 and 3/8 mine load likes 1/8 turn

3 rounds don't tell you anything.

 

[452b264]

3 rounds don't tell you anything.

I went out on Sunday and shot 9 more the worst group was .3. Went again on Monday shot a .2 group for the worst one of the morning. Three rounds going 3236 fps is plenty you dont need to shoot 5/10 round groups and burn your barrel out.

 

[452b264]

Just played with my Lee FCD for the first time this weekend. With 1/4 a turn past initial contact, I can just barely make out the faintest crimping marks on the case neck. Would you guys also try a group crimped 1/8 a turn even though the crimping marks from twice that much are hardly visible?

Yes the target I posted above is an 1/8 turn I tried 1/4 and 3/8 on Monday morning but it likes 1/8 turn.

 

[OXN939]

Yes the target I posted above is an 1/8 turn I tried 1/4 and 3/8 on Monday morning but it likes 1/8 turn.

Rgr. So at 1/8 turn, are you even visually able to tell that anything has happened?

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Anyone shot 160 HH out of a 30-06?
If so, what velocity are you getting?

Thanks

 

[452b264]

Rgr. So at 1/8 turn, are you even visually able to tell that anything has happened?

If you feel the case where it meets the bullet before crimping then after you will notice the difference. Visually no you wont be able tell it gives a light crimp.

 

[TraderMike]

3 rounds don't tell you anything.

Well, wouldn't a three shot group that was looking like crap tell you something?

 

[452b264]

Rgr. So at 1/8 turn, are you even visually able to tell that anything has happened?

If you go to LRH butterbean has a page written on how to set up the LCD its under reloading section, in Absolute hammer reloads.

 

[gabenzeke]

I've wondered about these bullets in smaller calibers for coyotes and bobcats. Would they reduce fur damage since they don't seem to blow up?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I've wondered about these bullets in smaller calibers for coyotes and bobcats. Would they reduce fur damage since they don't seem to blow up?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

They do shed 4 petals at 30 degree angles. Not sure what to expect on the exit side. To preserve fur you may want to look at a solid mono like Barnes or e-tip.

 

[EastTNboy]

any one got any load data on the 125 gr hammer bullets for a 308?

 

[OXN939]

Man I am IN on the Lee FCD life.


Howa 1500 Alpine, .243 Win
70 grain Hammer Hunters .050" off the lands
43.5 grains H4350
1/4 turn on the Lee FCD

 

[OXN939]

Haven't seen the finished product yet, but pretty sure @HunterMcWaters got an HD video of two bang flops on rather large Blacktails within about 20 seconds of each other, both with Hammers. One 120 grain HH via 7mm-08 one 124 grain HH via 6.5 CM.

 

[HunterMcWaters]

Haven't seen the finished product yet, but pretty sure @HunterMcWaters got an HD video of two bang flops on rather large Blacktails within about 20 seconds of each other, both with Hammers. One 120 grain HH via 7mm-08 one 124 grain HH via 6.5 CM.

View attachment 324665

Oh yes- the bang flops are recorded. Once I’m done with the edit y’all can check it out on my YouTube channel!

 

[christian1]

Haven't seen the finished product yet, but pretty sure @HunterMcWaters got an HD video of two bang flops on rather large Blacktails within about 20 seconds of each other, both with Hammers. One 120 grain HH via 7mm-08 one 124 grain HH via 6.5 CM.

View attachment 324665

What did you come up with for a 7mm08 load? Did you go up in .5gr or 1 grain increments?

 

[PRC_GUY]

Question for the guys loading hammers, are you using magnum primers in standard cartridges? Thought I saw somewhere that Steve redacted the magnum primer recommendation. Going to be loading up some for my 280ai and 338-06. 155s over RL26 in the 280 and 205s over RL17 in the 338. Both cases will burn 60ish grains of powder. I have both CCI BR2 and F215M on hand.

I never used magnums primers for standard cartridges,

 

[OXN939]

What did you come up with for a 7mm08 load? Did you go up in .5gr or 1 grain increments?

I always start with .5 grain increments initially. Ended up at 42.5 grains of Varget with the 120 HH, stays consistently right under MOA

 

[Stalker69]

Well, wouldn't a three shot group that was looking like crap tell you something?

Guys got a point, save some powder, bullets and primers.