Greetings,

I have read of early pressure signs when using Hawk bullets due to their soft jacket/core.

The Hawk 600 is my primary bullet for practice, varmints, etc., in my 500NE Ruger #1. I use Woodleighs for game hunting.

I'm running the 600s at 2050fps with no problem signs at the primers, pockets, casehead, or extraction. I'm not really sure these are reliable indicators anyway.

I'd like to try for an even 2100fps with this bullet out of my 27" barrel. Am I asking for trouble? What should I be on the lookout for with a single shot action?

Also, I've been giving my cases a light crimp with the seater/crimp die, (RCBS), but I've been thinking that I really don't need a crimp with a single shot rifle. The straight case seems to have ample bullet tension. Opinions?

Thanks.

It is true, soft copper bullets are "sticky" and do raise pressures. This shouldn't pose much of a problem if loads were reduced when you introduced the new component.

Regarding pressure readings, nothing beats the good 'ol micrometer. Measurements made on cases of a known load can be directly compared to new loads being worked up. Throw in a chronograph reading and one can be fairly sure they are in safe territory.

As for crimps, treat them the same way. Don't apply a crimp as an afterthought. I also wouldn't crimp a bullet that doesn't have a cannelure.

Look out for a jacket stuck in the bore after every shot.

In my 450/400 3 inch double, I use less powder to achieve the same velocity as the Woodleighs I use. I have heard second hand information about jackets seperating on Hawks, but I have had no problems. I use the .035 jackets with there .408, 400 grain bullets.

I've seen more than one thread about the jacket separation issue with strong support from those who say it will happen and equally strong from those who say it won't. Does anyone know if this became a problem for Barnes Originals and if so how they overcame it? I think both brands are made the same way.

No need to crimp in a single shot. I do not crimp the Hawks I shoot in my doubles. I use the 300gr.025jkt in my 450/400 3 1/4", and the 285gr.035jkt in my 9,3x74R. Both at velocities around 2330fps. I have had no problems. They expand to a very large diameter and have given excellent penetration on deer and pigs in both rifles.
They have also been very accurate.