Leupold BX-4 Rangefinding Binoculars

6.5 Hammer bullet Q

Mako

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Saw some threads on Hammer bullets so thought I’d ask a question of my own.

I’ve finally got enough spent 6.5 CM brass to where I want to start reloading my own. I’m debating between the 117g shock hammers and 124 gr Hammer Hunters. Besides the obvious weight difference, is there anything else I should be aware of? I tend to subscribe to the “light and fast” school of thought so I’m leaning toward the shock hammers, especially if they end up grouping well in my rifle. Does anyone have experience with either or ideally both of these, and if so what is your preference and why?

Also, I had spoken to Steve a while back and he told me that Nosler and Hodgdon data line up well with their bullets, so I was planning on using data from those two companies as a reference and starting point. I’m going to be new at this, so I plan to load on the “conservative” side for my first couple batches to err on the side of caution.

Everyone’s input is much appreciated.
 
I'm shooting hammers in my 6.5-06. Tried both shock hammers and Hunters. I had to seat the shock hammers much deeper than hunters. Settled on the hunters as they grouped better for me.
 
This is based solely on what I've read...within 4-500 yards the shock hammer will have a slight advantage velocity wise but it's about there when the 124s will really have an advantage. Honestly if you're looking at something for deer/antelope then I'd consider the 110s. My preference would be heavier for larger animals.

Steve suggest that you could get around 31-3200 with the 110s out of a 6.5CM and a lot of guys are getting around 3000is with the 117s and I see several guys posting around 2850-3000 for the 124s. Within that 4-500 yard range I think you'd be hard pressed to notice much difference between the lot but my preference tends toward the Hunter line of Hammer bullets.

Powder wise Varget, H4350, Staball6.5, RL16, RL17, RL26 will all work but it seems that H4350 and Rl16 are the most popular powders
 
I have loaded up the 110HH in my wife’s Tikka T3X SL in 6.5 Creedmoor. I ended up going with 44.0 gr of Varget. It holds sub MOA out to 500 yards. That is the farthest I have been able to stretch them out. Here is some of my load work up.
 

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How far do you want to shoot, and what are you wanting to shoot it with? For what it’s worth, I’m shooting the 124 at 2900 using SuperPerformance in a 22” barrel. At some point I may redo my load development with RL16.
 
How far do you want to shoot, and what are you wanting to shoot it with? For what it’s worth, I’m shooting the 124 at 2900 using SuperPerformance in a 22” barrel. At some point I may redo my load development with RL16.
Mainly deer, with the occasional black bear and wild pig/boar.
 
I have loaded up the 110HH in my wife’s Tikka T3X SL in 6.5 Creedmoor. I ended up going with 44.0 gr of Varget. It holds sub MOA out to 500 yards. That is the farthest I have been able to stretch them out. Here is some of my load work up.
Thank you for sharing. Those are some impressive velocity numbers you have there. Everywhere I look Varget seems to be far and away the powder of choice.
 
In my experience with the 6.5 Creedmoor, Varget is the powder for bullets 120gr and under. Above that and I would say H4350 is my favorite. That being said, there are some really good options in the Reloader powders but I haven’t been able to get my hands in any.
 
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