Thank you. I will post this load on the spreadsheet. And welcome!
Absolute Hammer load data
- Thread starter RockyMtnMT
- Start date
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Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
Thanks BB. You got all of us thinking about adding the crimping feature. I have not done it yet, but I'm going to run some tests, on my favorite loads.
Hard rock
Well-Known Member
Started loading Hammer bullets last yr for 3 diff rifles 121 gr 131 gr and 124 gr Hammers . I've been paying attention too the advice of Butter Bean Tailor and Steve I have a load for my 2- 6.5 Prcs using 58.3 Grs of N165 , with . 002 neck tension now with Steves advice I'm going too use . 004 . I'm also going too take Butter Beans advice and use the Lee crimp die for The 123 gr absolute hammers Question is will crimping with more neck tension increase the pressure of my existing load which is where I was going too use as a Starting load for the same powder because I still have room for 4 more grs
Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
I would think both require a short development to monitor pressure. Try some off max you're running and work up. You just need your bullet speeds tracked for variation as usual.
My understanding is crimping will lower your SD and improve the initial combustion that neck tension alone does not improve.
Will let BB step in here....
Hard rock
Well-Known Member
Sounds like good advice I'll drop back a gr or so and work from there any advice is welcomed thanks
Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
You can I.M. BB for direct guidance.
Savage Model 14
250 Sav 90gr AH
22" 1:10barrel
Hornady virgin brass
CCI 200
40 thou off lands
COAL 2.545
3 thou NT
Lee FCD 9/16 turn past shell holder contact
94 degree afternoon shoot temp, windy
IMR 4064
Charge Velocity Notes
35.5 3132
36.0 3177
36.5 3182
37.0. 3244
37.5. 3284 begin primer cratering. no swipe or heavy lift detected. Case fill ~ 99%
Benchmark
34.0 3097
34.5 3122
35.0 3170
35.5 3200
36.0 3236 begin primer cratering.
36.5 3239
37.0 3315 Case fill ~95%. no swipe or heavy lift detected
Varget
36.5 3140
37.0 3157
37.5 3191
38.0 3216
38.5 ERR. begin primer cratering.
39.0 3313 Case fill~100%, no swipe or heavy lift detected
Mostly searching for pressure here. I think I'm basically there with 37 gr of Benchmark and close with about a full case (39gr) of Varget. All filled with 4" drop tube. No attention grabbing groups in these 100 yard strings. 1.5-3"+ per powder tried and I don't really know what to expect from this factory Savage rifle. I am a pretty new/novice reloader; first attempt with hammers and appreciate this thread. Thanks!
250 Sav 90gr AH
22" 1:10barrel
Hornady virgin brass
CCI 200
40 thou off lands
COAL 2.545
3 thou NT
Lee FCD 9/16 turn past shell holder contact
94 degree afternoon shoot temp, windy
IMR 4064
Charge Velocity Notes
35.5 3132
36.0 3177
36.5 3182
37.0. 3244
37.5. 3284 begin primer cratering. no swipe or heavy lift detected. Case fill ~ 99%
Benchmark
34.0 3097
34.5 3122
35.0 3170
35.5 3200
36.0 3236 begin primer cratering.
36.5 3239
37.0 3315 Case fill ~95%. no swipe or heavy lift detected
Varget
36.5 3140
37.0 3157
37.5 3191
38.0 3216
38.5 ERR. begin primer cratering.
39.0 3313 Case fill~100%, no swipe or heavy lift detected
Mostly searching for pressure here. I think I'm basically there with 37 gr of Benchmark and close with about a full case (39gr) of Varget. All filled with 4" drop tube. No attention grabbing groups in these 100 yard strings. 1.5-3"+ per powder tried and I don't really know what to expect from this factory Savage rifle. I am a pretty new/novice reloader; first attempt with hammers and appreciate this thread. Thanks!
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It will increase pressure but it will be a very slight increase, unless your running on the ragged edge you will have nothing to worry about, just follow the crimp procedure, but still to be safe once you start with the Lee FCD back off .05 and work back up to be safe but you will mast likely end up at the same place, and pulling your expander ball will help tremendously
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If your close to a full case and haven't found pressure your powder is too slow, And pull your expander ball out of your sizing die, that will help you a bunch
No worries, If you need anything just holler
Hard rock
Well-Known Member
Thanks very much been reloading for over 50 yrs but I'm still learning never have crimped but I understand the concept im going too load today and keep the forum posted on the results 124 gr versus 123 gr 6.5 prc thanks again for the help (response)
I'm just glad to still be of service
Thanks Bean,
I'm using Redding type S bushing dies with expander removed followed by a .256 expander mandrel. I'm a novice at reading pressure but inspected cases very closely with a magnifying glass and i see no marks on the case head at all. I'd rather not push to a blown primer. Would you generally say you have "found pressure" with the first heavy bolt lift and/or ejector swipe?
I have some space left with Benchmark. I was also thinking of trying IMR 3031. Those two are the fastest powders I have on hand.
Which ever you see or feel first, just work up slowly and pay attention, Holler if you need anything
