Least fussy mono-metal bullet?

[Calvin45]

I share that suspicion... but could never prove it to myself or others, with my level of experiences. Can only state that the Gen I (original) BDs did seem to shoot better for me.
I wonder if softer copper would help allow the bullets to shoot well with less effort, by lowering engraving pressure. But simply hypothesizing on this possibility.

Wouldn't be the first time a collective observation was made within the shooting community from experience showing that when having the highest ballistic coefficient possible is what gets the most consideration in projectile design, said projectile proves "finicky"

 

[FEENIX]

With the same powder charge the Absolute Hammer will be quite a bit slower. It will take more powder or faster powder to reach the same pressure because the engraving pressure is very low on the Absolute Hammer. With equal pressure I would guess the Absolute Hammer will yield higher vel. There is gives and takes to achieve the very low engraving pressure. Higher vel but the bc is not as good. @FEENIX I know you are a long range guy so in the 30 cal I don't think the Absolute is your pill. Under 400y it will be tough to beat. After that the higher bc bullets will start to take over.

Steve,

I appreciate the personalized response, but how does an average user without the proper instrument (lab/controlled environment) to measure pressure know what equal pressure is, and how does one know your competitors' bullet does not perform similarly or even better? There are folks here that have claimed/experienced the same as you are noting. I will also be conducting my own tests just as I do with any other bullets I use. Under 400Y, the same can be said for any higher BC bullets. Again, as I said in #94 and #97, this is not about Hammer bullets alone. Nowhere in this post am I recommending any specific bullet but instead providing monolithic bullet offerings available (#97) for anybody to try for themselves.

As the OP noted in #129 ...

For now, I am intrigued with both the 122 Cayuga and 125 BD2.

It may or may not work for him but it always starts with an idea/interest. The beauty of living here in the US is that we still have freedom of choice and plenty of bullet offerings to choose from. In the end, the OP (end-users) must have to try and experiment and decide for themselves which is best suited for their intended purpose. BTW, I got some Hammer bullets too, and I plan to get more to try. Cheers!

 

[FEENIX]

IMO there would need to be a pressure test done using the same lot brass, primers, powder comparing the different mono bullets by an independent lab to get data on velocity claims.

^^^This!^^^

 

[FEENIX]

Barnes manuals suggest slightly lighter powder charges across the board for their bullets for the increased pressure that's generated. They have the bands that reduce bearing surface too. Is the copper harder in the Barnes bullets?

Brad,

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail I got from Barnes ...

Thank you for shooting Barnes Bullets. First off, Barnes is made of 100 percent copper and Hammer is a gilding metal bullet. Gilding metal has zinc in the copper. So a Barnes Bullet is actually softer. The expansion has to do with what velocity we want the bullet to expand at. Some bullets we have designed for extreme low velocity expansion and others are more around the traditional 1800 fps; some even higher. It depends on the cartridge or application it is intended for.

The above query response is not intended to start any company wars, but I went directly to the source to get the answer to your query.

 

[XSIVSPD]

Barnes ttsx and lrx gave been the best shooters I've tried in multiple calibers.

I haven't tried hammer yet, but when I run out if barnes I probably will

 

[DoneNOut]

Brad,

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail I got from Barnes ...

Thank you for shooting Barnes Bullets. First off, Barnes is made of 100 percent copper and Hammer is a gilding metal bullet. Gilding metal has zinc in the copper. So a Barnes Bullet is actually softer. The expansion has to do with what velocity we want the bullet to expand at. Some bullets we have designed for extreme low velocity expansion and others are more around the traditional 1800 fps; some even higher. It depends on the cartridge or application it is intended for.

The above query response is not intended to start any company wars, but I went directly to the source to get the answer to your query.

Ed,
Oh thanks so much!

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Brad,

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail I got from Barnes ...

Thank you for shooting Barnes Bullets. First off, Barnes is made of 100 percent copper and Hammer is a gilding metal bullet. Gilding metal has zinc in the copper. So a Barnes Bullet is actually softer. The expansion has to do with what velocity we want the bullet to expand at. Some bullets we have designed for extreme low velocity expansion and others are more around the traditional 1800 fps; some even higher. It depends on the cartridge or application it is intended for.

The above query response is not intended to start any company wars, but I went directly to the source to get the answer to your query.

I can assure you that Hammers are not made from gilding metal.

 

[FEENIX]

I can assure you that Hammers are not made from gilding metal.

Steve,

I will gladly forward your response to correct Barnes' information.

 

[Pdvdh]

I can assure you that Hammers are not made from gilding metal.

Best one yet, this Thanksgiving day! As if Barnes would know...

Happy Thankgiving Steve!!!

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Steve,

I appreciate the personalized response, but how does an average user without the proper instrument (lab/controlled environment) to measure pressure know what equal pressure is, and how does one know your competitors' bullet does not perform similarly or even better? There are folks here that have claimed/experienced the same as you are noting. I will also be conducting my own tests just as I do with any other bullets I use. Under 400Y, the same can be said for any higher BC bullets. Again, as I said in #94 and #97, this is not about Hammer bullets alone. Nowhere in this post am I recommending any specific bullet but instead providing monolithic bullet offerings available (#97) for anybody to try for themselves.

As the OP noted in #129 ...



It may or may not work for him but it always starts with an idea/interest. The beauty of living here in the US is that we still have freedom of choice and plenty of bullet offerings to choose from. In the end, the OP (end-users) must have to try and experiment and decide for themselves which is best suited for their intended purpose. BTW, I got some Hammer bullets too, and I plan to get more to try. Cheers!

My response was only to point out the comparison of two bullets with the same charge would result in a much lower vel for the bullet that has much lower engraving pressure. Low pressure equals low vel.

 

[FEENIX]

Steve,

I will gladly forward your response to correct Barnes' information.

Complied with!

 

[DoneNOut]

Best one yet, this Thanksgiving day! As if Barnes would know...

Happy Thankgiving Steve!!!

I know where I'm ordering my bullets tomorrow!

 

[Zen Archery]

I'm runing the 123 gr absolutes Hammers at 3450 fps...
...I shoot the 131 gr Hammer in my 1-7.5 twist Bartlien

I too have been surprised with slower powders and Absolute Hammers. I didn't think about trying VV. You have to be crushing. Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend.

 

[19 Badger]

I used to use Barnes in a couple rifles (.270 wby and 6.5cm) with no complaints in performance on game. Recently switched to Hammers and load development was a day/night difference compared to Barnes(super easy). Have only taken a couple animals with Hammers so far... Worked very well.