Introducing the Absolute Hammer

[codyadams]

Thanks again. I know the feeling after living at Tahoe for a few years. Snow country is fun to visit but the winters can get long when you live in it.

You aren't kidding there!!!

 

[dougduey]

Thanks again. I know the feeling after living at Tahoe for a few years. Snow country is fun to visit but the winters can get long when you live in it.

If you remember, I grew up in Sacramento and went to school at UC Davis. My grandparents lived in south shore Lake Tahoe, so I spent a lot of time there in the winter. Snow was more magical when I was younger.
One of my happiest days was dropping off my snow blower at my sisters' house when I left Denver for San Antonio.

 

[NorCalRiceGuy]

If you remember, I grew up in Sacramento and went to school at UC Davis. My grandparents lived in south shore Lake Tahoe, so I spent a lot of time there in the winter. Snow was more magical when I was younger.
One of my happiest days was dropping off my snow blower at my sisters' house when I left Denver for San Antonio.

The last year I lived at Tahoe full time was in 2006. It was a dry winter similar to this until the end of February when it started to snow...and snow...and snow. It snowed 26 days in the month of March and finally stopped on April 15, Easter Sunday. I ran the snowblower an average of twice a day for 6 weeks.
Truly a "Miracle March" that brought the Lake back up to "Full". A "long winter" in a short period of time. And it was "time to go home" when a job offer brought me back to Woodland.

 

[XSIVSPD]

Thanks, Doug. I hunted them last year for the first time and it was a hoot! Needless to say, I couldn't wait to go back. We will be hunting near Lubbock but the area is expecting warmer weather next week so not a problem. Besides, having hit minus18 degrees last week in Montana, it should be balmy by comparison.

Make sure you leave some to make it back up here to Alaska! Those things are great! Lol

 

[XSIVSPD]

@RockyMtnMT

So I have a technical question for you..

I know you stated that you're seeing less of an increase in velocity as the cartridge gets bigger. Are talking about case capacity or bullet diameter? Take a 338 lapua vs 338 federal... Would you see a larger increase in velocity on the 338fed?

I'm planning on building a 12-16" 375h&h and trying to keep velocity as high as possible. I was thinking that some 375 absolute hammers in the 250-270gr area might be the perfect all range bullet. Quickload thinks I should be able to get 2600 out of a barnes 270lrx if that helps with anything.

Thanks!


Edited to add: any plans on a 375 absolute hammer?

 

[GLTaylor]

I'm pretty sure the leveling off of velocity is based upon powder charge. The lack of significant gains occurs at and above 100 grs of powder

 

[snox801]

I'm pretty sure the leveling off of velocity is based upon powder charge. The lack of significant gains occurs at and above 100 grs of powder

I think your right. Man I wish you were not they are working. On a .375. Can you imagine a 200fps gain in a Allen mag! 3400fps with a 400gr would be simply amazing

 

[GLTaylor]

Drooling..... what a beast!

 

[GLTaylor]

I have a photo of one of Steve's prototype bullets: 900 gr .458! Can't figure out how to attach it. It's over 3" long! ****!

 

[Muddyboots]

Offer the following info on 300WSM with the 162 AH. I used what powders I had on hand and never really did get the velocity bump that is prevalent with the AH but probably didn't find the right pixie dust.
Remington 700 - MagPul Stock
26" Preferred Barrel - 5R - short throated to bottom end of SAAMI for my short 2.900 COAL limitations () to help minimize jump.
2.900 COAL - 0.085 jump (added this in as edit)
Hornady brass
Federal 215 Mag primers used in all loads
Pro Chronograph optical chronograph 15' from muzzle (measured) - with light shields
No accuracy testing just trying to find a velocity node to start with going forward.
I am conservative in pressure stops, I stop when I see ejector or even slight bolt lift pressure.

RL-16
62.0 = 3030
63.0 = 3079
64.0 = 3129
65.0 = 3182 - slight bolt pressure STOP

IMR4064
57.0 = 3030
58.0 = 3072
59.0 = 3137
60.0 - 3182 - moderate bolt lift pressure - STOP

Varget
58.0 = 3051
58.5 = 3072
59.0 = 3093
59.5 = 3127 - very slight bolt
60.0 = 3144 - very slight bolt
60.5 = 3144 = moderate bolt - STOP
I went a little further than I normally do with this load.

W760
65.0 = 3100
66.0 = 3152
67.0 = no velocity?
68.0 = 3244
This shows more promise and had an extra 4 pieces of brass from a lot to use up so I need to go further with this powder.

H380
61.0 = 2989 - no clue
62.0 = 2989 - no clue
63.0 = 3155
64.0 = 3167
65.0 = 3205
66.0 = 3244
66.5 = 3284 - moderate bolt lift - STOP

RL-17
66.0 = 3300 - moderate bolt lift - STOP
So I guess I started a wee bit high for RL-17 but thought it should have been fine based upon my RL1-17 load for the 166 HH.

So after all of this I really didn't see the huge gain over the 166 HH where I get 3250 with RL17 without pressure at all. In fact, I topped 3300 with RL17 on the 166 as well. I still have to do some more work with W760 to see where it tops out but it is hunting season and even this data is over 1.5 months old, just didn't have time to sort through it. I hope to get back at it after January 1st plus will have range to myself when it is 25 degrees!

 

[snox801]

I have a photo of one of Steve's prototype bullets: 900 gr .458! Can't figure out how to attach it. It's over 3" long! ****!

I know Kirby sent me a bunch on that rifle it's for trying to sell me on it. Of course it comes out right after I get my .375.

 

[NorCalRiceGuy]

Offer the following info on 300WSM with the 162 AH. I used what powders I had on hand and never really did get the velocity bump that is prevalent with the AH but probably didn't find the right pixie dust.
Remington 700 - MagPul Stock
26" Preferred Barrel - 5R - short throated to bottom end of SAAMI for my short 2.900 COAL limitations () to help minimize jump.
2.900 COAL
Hornady brass
Federal 215 Mag primers used in all loads
Pro Chronograph optical chronograph 15' from muzzle (measured) - with light shields
No accuracy testing just trying to find a velocity node to start with going forward.
I am conservative in pressure stops, I stop when I see ejector or even slight bolt lift pressure.

RL-16
62.0 = 3030
63.0 = 3079
64.0 = 3129
65.0 = 3182 - slight bolt pressure STOP

IMR4064
57.0 = 3030
58.0 = 3072
59.0 = 3137
60.0 - 3182 - moderate bolt lift pressure - STOP

Varget
58.0 = 3051
58.5 = 3072
59.0 = 3093
59.5 = 3127 - very slight bolt
60.0 = 3144 - very slight bolt
60.5 = 3144 = moderate bolt - STOP
I went a little further than I normally do with this load.

W760
65.0 = 3100
66.0 = 3152
67.0 = no velocity?
68.0 = 3244
This shows more promise and had an extra 4 pieces of brass from a lot to use up so I need to go further with this powder.

H380
61.0 = 2989 - no clue
62.0 = 2989 - no clue
63.0 = 3155
64.0 = 3167
65.0 = 3205
66.0 = 3244
66.5 = 3284 - moderate bolt lift - STOP

RL-17
66.0 = 3300 - moderate bolt lift - STOP
So I guess I started a wee bit high for RL-17 but thought it should have been fine based upon my RL1-17 load for the 166 HH.

So after all of this I really didn't see the huge gain over the 166 HH where I get 3250 with RL17 without pressure at all. In fact, I topped 3300 with RL17 on the 166 as well. I still have to do some more work with W760 to see where it tops out but it is hunting season and even this data is over 1.5 months old, just didn't have time to sort through it. I hope to get back at it after January 1st plus will have range to myself when it is 25 degrees!

Have a look at H100V powder. It seems to like the AH bullets, at least it does in my 280AI and 300WM, respectively.

 

[GLTaylor]

Excellent data and easy to read and input. Thank you!
G

 

[HARPERC]

I think your right. Man I wish you were not they are working. On a .375. Can you imagine a 200fps gain in a Allen mag! 3400fps with a 400gr would be simply amazing

All of it is fun to think about. For me a 200 fps increase in the .375 H&H, and Ruger will be something to watch for. The overbore hot rods are already beasts in their class.