Reforging query - Achieving 5 DCI using shadow runic hammer?

[Garm The Green]

Please can somebody confirm their experience?

When I played about 7 years ago I crafted a fairly basic (but effective) suit using reforging to achieve 5 DCI on 4 pieces of armour to give me 20 DCI.
I'm fairly sure I used powerful (grand/inspired) and "towering/of aegis" and shadow hammers - as per the screenshot.

I've scoured the net for any info relating to this including trawling through these forums, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer that marries with my current experience.
A few sources (links below) state that I should be using "vicious/of slaughter"
- I achieved DCI using "towering/of aegis"
- Using slaughter I've only achieved HCI so far (i don't think it can produce DCI based on the name?)
- The kicker - I've tried both about 25 times each and achieved only 4 DCI/HCI on all pieces using shadow runic hammers.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to if/where I'm going wrong please?
Has something changed Since 2014/2015?

I don't want to waste those precious hammers if I've taken a wrong turn...

Thanks in advance

NB: Yes I used dragon armour because I am/was poor and can't afford the steps of enhancing - you can miss this step with scale armour.

Pic is from circa 2015.

Links for sources:

[General] - Quick Guide: How to reforge this mod with which runics

Reforging is an advanced crafting skill. You will need to understand the basics of crafting in general. The following list ONLY includes widely desired items that also have feasible crafting chances %. People might have slightly different preferences but these are the basics: 100% elemental...

community.stratics.com

Runic Reforging for Specific Properties – Ultima Online

uo.com

Semmerset's Re-Forging Charts - Old Stratics

These charts are the work of Semmerset Figures in brackets [] are the cap, therefore often difficult to attain. Integrated metal/leather/wood chart dull,shadow,copper runic chart Spined runic chart Oak & Ash Runic Chart

uo2.stratics.com

[Imbuing] - Reforging. How to

There're three general ways of using reforging: 1. Craft items with a mod than can't be imbue-able For example, 5 hci on an armor. 2. Craft items with an overcapped mod For example, 150 luck on an armor. 3. Craft items with overcapped total weight General rules are simple: 1. Use low...

community.stratics.com

 

[gwen]

You are doing it correct. Continue reforging and you will get your 5DCI some day.
DCI on armor is not very efficient. Cap is DCI5 per piece. On armor 5DCI has same imbuing weight as 20 DCI (15 if imbued)on ring or bracelet.
Don't know what your jewels are, but I suggest you think about having LMC or HP on armor and HCI/DCI on ring and bracelet.

 

[Garm The Green]

I'm taking HCI/DCI on my jewels, but need to beef it up due to the arties I'm using - as attached. It all just about works if i can get the DCI on three pieces. Maybe i could swap it for HCI which seems a lot easier.... if I can find different boots.
I've only recently returned and so don't have cameo/an bal xen etc.

Thanks for confirming.

Looks like i need a LOT of hammers.....
Rant: Sadly all my bods and hammer were lost after returning because of a new feature where pack animals (including giant beetles) auto stable and delete after 24 hrs if not sat on, instead of loyalty degrading. Absolutely disgusting change

 

[Garm The Green]

***UPDATE***
After burning a bunch of hammers, finally managed to get 5DCI via shadow and copper hammers

Like everything in UO, Ihad none after about 50-60 attempts and then 4-5 in a quick succession. Madness.

Now there are no more hammers for sale on Europa >.<

Thanks all!