Just loaded my first Hammer....concerned.

[MELEX]

I just loaded my first Hammer HHT, and I am concerned about the case mouth not being supported by the bullet as well as neck only making contact on two narrow rings of the bullet. Seems as though the rounds will be very sensitive to rough use, or recoil while I'm the gun.

 

[eklarsen]

You only need .002 - .004 neck tension to hold the bullet, do you know what you currently have, if concerned you could neck them down a bit more.

 

[waspocrew]

How far off the lands are you? If you have room, seat them out a little further so the mouth rests on the groove.

 

[memtb]

View attachment 600635I just loaded my first Hammer HHT, and I am concerned about the case mouth not being supported by the bullet as well as neck only making contact on two narrow rings of the bullet. Seems as though the rounds will be very sensitive to rough use, or recoil while I'm the gun.

I've been using Barnes monos for many years with the same/similar groove design. My rifle has a great deal of recoil…..they ain't mov'n!

In fact, before going to the Barnes, the lead tip on conventional cup and core bullets at the bottom of the magazine (3 rounds previously fired) were so badly flattened (about 1/8" to 3/16" in dia.) I almost expected to see the jacket to start opening! memtb

 

[MELEX]

You only need .002 - .004 neck tension to hold the bullet, do you know what you currently have, if concerned you could neck them down a bit more.

How is that accomplished. Using a custom Hornady die. I know I can adjust for a crimp, but obviously that is not going to work.

 

[MELEX]

How far off the lands are you? If you have room, seat them out a little further so the mouth rests on the groove.

60 thousands. Not going to make it.

 

[CaptDru]

I have loaded plenty of Hammers. Don't worry about it and just go shoot. Load them like any other bullet. They will be fine.

 

[Hand Skills]

2 drive bands engaged inside the neck is all ya need.


It appears you are good to go, @MELEX

If you want to make extra sure, consider adding a crimp. LEE FCD is popular among many of the Hammer shooters. Great way to ensure the bullet stays put during recoil in the magazine and can offer some fine tuning benefit to accuracy.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

Since I took the time to read all the posts, I'll just add that you've got nothing to worry about. Here are a few pics of hunting rounds that shoot well, and hold up to field abuse in my rifles

 

[Dmagna]

I always seat the hammers so the mouth lands on the band. That way no dust or other crap get between the mouth and bullet

 

[Mark37082]

I agree with the others stating don't worry about it. I'm limited on my rifles with seating the bullets long. Most end up seated with case mouth in between the bands. I'm running .02 neck tension (Redding bushing die) and never had a problem with bullet movement. I tried the crimp die method for a while, but really did not see any difference on paper. I only crimp bullets on very high recoiling cartridges (ie., SW500).

 

[MW204]

I've never had any problem with my 300WM.

 

[nealm66]

A way to check is to leave one in the magazine or clip while you fire some rounds and measure for movement. I haven't had or heard of a problem but I'm sure if you played around with loose neck tension you'd have a problem with any bullet

 

[Victor3Ranger1]

They are fine, just send it down range