Kmarsh1966
New member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2025
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I have just snagged a Merkel 416 Rigby. Starting to do Load Development. Originally I was convinced the Swift 400 A-Frames were the way to go. In my other guns I shoot Hammer Bullets for Hunting and am super happy with the terminal performance. They make a 300, 325 and 400 Gr. They claim the 325 was specifically made for the Rigby.
The 400’s I am loading now are running 2325.
The 325’s would run 2800
The 300’s would run 2900
None of these are max loads, and all are being shout out of a double so I am not looking for more than 200 yds performance. Both the 300 and 325 have better energy calcs across the board.
The Hammers are designed to shed their petals as soon as they enter the animal, leaving a beer can shaped puck that rips the flesh out of the wound channel. Like a Barnes, they will likely fully penetrate vs the Swift. But the speed and toughness of the bullet makes me want to consider them over the cup and core. I just snagged some to determine if they will regulate in the double.
I know the bigger hole vs 375 is a plus. I was running my 370 270’s at 2800 and they did a solid job in the Ruger. For now, Buff and Lion are on the agenda. Don’t think I will ever tackle a Elephant or Rhino.
Ballistic drops, velocity and energy calcs are in the photos. Velocity at 0 will identify the bullet weight per the above speeds.
The 400’s I am loading now are running 2325.
The 325’s would run 2800
The 300’s would run 2900
None of these are max loads, and all are being shout out of a double so I am not looking for more than 200 yds performance. Both the 300 and 325 have better energy calcs across the board.
The Hammers are designed to shed their petals as soon as they enter the animal, leaving a beer can shaped puck that rips the flesh out of the wound channel. Like a Barnes, they will likely fully penetrate vs the Swift. But the speed and toughness of the bullet makes me want to consider them over the cup and core. I just snagged some to determine if they will regulate in the double.
I know the bigger hole vs 375 is a plus. I was running my 370 270’s at 2800 and they did a solid job in the Ruger. For now, Buff and Lion are on the agenda. Don’t think I will ever tackle a Elephant or Rhino.
Ballistic drops, velocity and energy calcs are in the photos. Velocity at 0 will identify the bullet weight per the above speeds.
