Hi @chickenpommy
Thank you for posting in the HP Support forum. Welcome !
As you probably know the recovery loads image from a recovery partition. The stuck at certain % is because most probably the recovery partition is corrupt.
Just to be on the safe side, please, also perform some basic hardware checks (test the HDD)
1. Shutdown the computer using the power button
2. Power it on.
2.1 As soon as you press the power-on button, immediately begin hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).
This should open a HP Startup Menu which may look similar to this one

3. Choose F2 to open System Diagnostics . Follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Test >> Quick test.
If there are no system checks/no quick tests, perform HDD and RAM check.
Let me know the test results. If the tests pass fine without issues, you will need to use HP supplied recovery media.
If you post your specifc full model and product number (p/n) as described >here< I might be able to provide you detailed instructions which recovery media you will need.
Looking forward to your update.
>> Your FEEDBACK is important. Click below on Accept As Solution or ThumbUp+ buttons if my comments helped or to say thanks <<
*** I work for HP *** I express personal opinion only *** HP Expert - Volunteer since 2013