Anyone with real world sledgehammer vs hammer hunter?

[Bigeclipse]

I have decided to make some hand loads for my 6.5prc. I was going to go with some 140 grain accubonds but now im thinking I want to give the Sledgehammer or hammer hunter a try. I am curious how they will hold up at higher velocities on deer sized game? I recently used my ELDx bullets on a deer hunt and had some explosive results with no exit at ~75 yards. I understand any bullet can have this result at close ranges and higher speeds but im trying to minimize that as much as possible with proper bullet selection. The ELDx bullet did kill the animal but I prefer two holes. Will the sledgehammers do the job for me? Which weight class sledgehammer should I try in my 6.5prc 8 twist Christensen arms mesa with a 24inch barrel? I would like to try and keep muzzle velocity above 2800fps since all my shots will be under 400 yards with 90% being under 250 yards so flat shooting is key (very little to no dope dialing with this setup). thanks!

 

[Andrew Massi]

Looks like you could toss a 130 down your 8 twist just fine. Probably well north of 3150 fps so plenty flat for a mpbr

 

[Bigeclipse]

Looks like you could toss a 130 down your 8 twist just fine. Probably well north of 3150 fps so plenty flat for a mpbr

That would actually be pretty great. Any fear of extreme fragmentation at 3100fps for close range shots?

 

[Elkeater]

Probably doesn't matter much which hammer you use it's gonna drive through no matter what velocity thanks to the mono metal construction. I shot an antelope this year at 312 yards with a 181 hammer hunter out of a.300 win mag and it went from one end to the other. In the front shoulder and out the opposite side hind quarter. The other antelope was at about 250 and it also exited with a double lung shot.

 

[Andrew Massi]

That would actually be pretty great. Any fear of extreme fragmentation at 3100fps for close range shots?

No the bullet is designed to shed 4 petals and the shank(60-70% weight)will keep on driving

The sledge hammers have a larger hollow point and open sooner

 

[BEEMAN]

I tried out the 124 HH out of my 6.5x47 this year. One antelope at 200 yds, one big whitetail buck at 50 yds. Both animals reacted the same. Went straight down and never moved. Both excited of course. I am very impressed, even though it's only a two animal sample size. These hammers are the real deal. A 124 HH out of a PRC should move along plenty fast.

 

[adk hunter]

Any fear of extreme fragmentation at 3100fps for close range shots?

Zero! Want to know how I know...

 

[Andrew Massi]

Yes
What did you catch that in?
Cartridge
Muzzle vel
Impact range/velocity
We need details

Zero! Want to know how I know...View attachment 160119View attachment 160120

 

[Hespco]

If I might stray a bit. I'm shooting a 6.5-06 which has virtually the same powder capacity as the prc. Using the Barnes 120gr TSX at 3277 fps out of my 1/8 twist 24" Bbl using IMR-4350 . Sighted 1 1/2" high @ 100 puts me dead on at 225yds. Like you the over whelming amount of game I take is at 200yds or less. This Barnes 120gr has accounted for numerous elk of which several were taken under 100yds from every angle. Thru shoulders or angled from front or back thru bone. Blood shot meat not a problem. Complete penetration every time. I believe you will get this type of performance regardless of what brand mono you use.

 

[CMP70306]

I'm looking at 3250 with the 124HH out of a 24" 6.5 PRC Proof CF barrel. Our deer season opens Saturday so hopefully I can get some performance data then.

 

[adk hunter]

I posted on the hammer thread but...
.280 AI
131 HH (1-10 twist)
62 grains of rl-26
100+yards off hand
175# Whitetail
12 pointer too!
Picture of inside ribcage is Entrance. I personally would not say you need the sledge hammer for rapid expansion...Great info on the website for twist and Steve is THE MAN for customer service!! Collected bullet and fragments were 71% of the 131.

 

[MagMan]

I wouldn't want them to open up any faster. The standard HH's do a great job.

 

[MagMan]

Adk, didn't realize you were shooting a 10 twist. 131 makes sense now.

 

[Rich Coyle]

I think Adam copied my wildcat when he made the 6.5RPM. I shot a buck about fifty yards and a doe at 215 yards with Hammer Hunter 124. Two holes in both. Shot a buck at 120 and a doe at 98 yards with Hammer Sledgehammer 130. Two holes in both. Shot a 270 pound pig with Sledgehammer at twenty-four yards, two holes. Shot a 330 pound pig right of center chest with Sledgehammer. Thirty inches back on the other side the shank and three of the pettles exited.

Muzzle velocity of the Hammers averaged 3,190.