Has anybody had any success using Hawk bullets. I seem to be getting excessive pressure and a lack of velocity with the 600GR .035 bullets. I am using Bell Brass, CCI250, and 112GR of IMR-4064 in my A-Square Hannibal with a velocity of 2150fps and .003-.005 head growth

If you are talking about the belt expanding .003-.005 inches, you are overpressure on this case. I know there are some people who post here that think this is OK, but I don't and quit at .001 belt expansion with no ejector marks. Are you seeing any ejector marks on the case head ( even slight ones)? If you are, that confirms the diagnosis. I have not tried Hawk bullets in my 500 A2 as I was totally satisfied with about 115grs of Rl-15 over a 570 gr Woodleigh.-Rob

JonB, Be careful using Hawk Bullets. I used them in my 500 A-square and my 460 wby. and got tremendous pressures spikes while using them with Reloader Powders. I would be using what should have been a moderate load and all of a sudden the pressure would skyrocket and I would have to hammer the bolt open. The problem is the Hawk Bullets Jacket and core are very soft, they expand during firing sealing the bore not letting propellant gases escape past the bullet during firing. This can elevate chamber pressures tremendously. To make matters worse Hawk Bullets tend to be a bit bigger in Diameter than most bullets. The 50 cal. bullets I was using measured .511 instead of the usual .510. Either reduce your load further or use a different bullet

[This message has been edited by Mitch (edited 01-25-2002).]

I have used Hawks without pressure problems in .475 and .585 diameters, but I got pressure spikes in .375 diameter. The loads I used in .475 and .585 were low pressure to start, however.

For high pressure loads, I would use Woodleigh. But at lower velocities in big bores, Hawks are great hunting bullets for medium sized game.