AR Sponsor
Posted: 11/8/2019 3:25:36 PM EDT
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Our deer season is just around the corner, and I have my 300 HAM'Rs sighted and set to go. Who else is planning on using one this year? Part of my morning coffee ritual is checking this forum, but I have not seen much chatter on the HAM'R since its introduction. That does surprise me since I know it has sold very well and usually this forum covers all of the variants rather well. I also know that there are some that will never buy a 300 HAM'R for one reason or another. Mainly that is a response from someone who has an AR in "X" caliber, and we all know there is nothing better than the rifle you already own. I'm not looking for those responses. What I am looking for is true results from those who have used them in the field, or those looking for general information on the cartridge. To be totally open, Bill Wilson allowed me to follow along from day one in the development of the cartridge so I am bias. But I am a fan of several AR cartridges as can be seen in the tread I started on the 25/223. Have you had any luck in the field? Have you worked up any good reloads not listed on the Wilson website? |
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We've pretty much switched to the 300 HAM'R in west Texas. Several reasons, it's a simple conversion of other AR-15 platforms is your want to modify an existing gun rather than buying a complete gun or upper, brass is easy to make, but new brass from Wilson Combat is cheap, accuracy is phenomenal, lots of bullet choices if you're a reloader and ammo is fair priced from Wilson Combat. Few hogs with the 300 HAM'R in video below :
https://youtu.be/IWGaEmC9ouI |
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For those of you interested in the true terminal performance of the cartridge, here's some info and photos from my last trip to South Africa this past August. Three bullets were used (130gr Speer HAM'R HOT-CORE, 150gr Hornady SST and 150gr Speer HAM'R Bonded) and all performed very well. With the 150gr HAM'R Bonded I got full penetration through both shoulders of two Wildebeest and a Zebra! Shots were from 45yds to 250yds on the Hartebeest
Rifle was a WC Ranger 16" with Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 green dot/crosshair and WC Quell Ti suppressor. To view the pictures click here. |
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In for the new ~8" supersonic load numbers! The world of firearms has changed so much, the old comparisons arent really valid IMO. 30-30, 7.62X39, 300BLK, most load data does not allow one to compare apples to apples as the tested barrel lengths are just not the same. I find the 8.5" 300BLK/supers useful for my purposes, if there is something else that can push the Barnes 110gr .308 bullet over 2200fps out of as short a barrel, I'm all ears. |
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Quoted:
In for the new ~8" supersonic load numbers! The world of firearms has changed so much, the old comparisons arent really valid IMO. 30-30, 7.62X39, 300BLK, most load data does not allow one to compare apples to apples as the tested barrel lengths are just not the same. I find the 8.5" 300BLK/supers useful for my purposes, if there is something else that can push the Barnes 110gr .308 bullet over 2200fps out of as short a barrel, I'm all ears. |
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Lilgun? I don't use it for everyday use, but did some crazy fast loads with the 300 HAM'R out of my 11.3". Quoted:
Quoted:
In for the new ~8" supersonic load numbers! The world of firearms has changed so much, the old comparisons arent really valid IMO. 30-30, 7.62X39, 300BLK, most load data does not allow one to compare apples to apples as the tested barrel lengths are just not the same. I find the 8.5" 300BLK/supers useful for my purposes, if there is something else that can push the Barnes 110gr .308 bullet over 2200fps out of as short a barrel, I'm all ears. |
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Yes, I'm sure powders in the +/- H110 range will do very well with the short barrels. Personally I just don't have much of a need for a 8" 300 HAM'R so haven't spent much time on loads for one. With all of the loads we already offer I can't see tailoring a load specifically for a 8" barrel. We already have enough customer service issues with the 9mm load we do that is 1000fps from a 16" carbine to keep it subsonic when customers try to shoot it in their handgun and it won't cycle the action. |
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TO MR. WILSON,
I am assuming this is the General Information thread you have referred to that you would prefer the HAMR stuff posted in. If not please let me know which is the correct thread. I have a few questions: Do you have any velocity numbers for your 11.3" 300 HAMR barrel using the 125 TNT or PH ammo? Is there a particular powder you would recommend for that length barrel using 125 TNT or PH bullets? Will the Cavity Back Bullets 125 MKZ work with the HAMR? https://www.cavitybackbullets.com/product-p/cb-mkz-7.62-125.htm Thanks! |
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Quoted:
TO MR. WILSON, I am assuming this is the General Information thread you have referred to that you would prefer the HAMR stuff posted in. If not please let me know which is the correct thread. I have a few questions: Do you have any velocity numbers for your 11.3" 300 HAMR barrel using the 125 TNT or PH ammo? Is there a particular powder you would recommend for that length barrel using 125 TNT or PH bullets? Will the Cavity Back Bullets 125 MKZ work with the HAMR? https://www.cavitybackbullets.com/product-p/cb-mkz-7.62-125.htm Thanks! I "think" I posted some 11.3" velocity #s on the THF thread??? As to powder we only use two, Hodgdon CFEBLK or Shooters World SOCOM. For a 11.3" SOCOM is probably the best choice overall. We've only used CFEBLK for all loads using 125gr or heavier bullets though. If I wanted to work up the optimal 11.3" load I'd also play with H110/W296 and Lil'Gun, you just have to be VERY careful with these faster powders, they can go from save to unsafe within .2gr |
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The “terminal performance” of the 300 HAM’R has been mentioned and the comparison to the .308 has been questioned.
I’ve got my own theory on the matter. Over the years how many times have we heard that the 30-30 has killed more deer than any other rifle? Most of us would just take for granted that is the result of there being more 30-30s carried into the woods. I say the 30-30 cartridge has found a sweet spot in the field of interior and exterior ballistics and the 300 HAM’R is matching those results. First, look at penetration. In the hunting I have done with the 300 HAM’R and the .308 Winchester both has had total penetration through the animals. Once a bullet exits an animal it is done. There is no way it will have any effect whatsoever on that animal. Second, look at the bullets I use. The 130gr. Speer HotCore is designed to give it the best expansion at velocities achieved by the .30-30 Winchester and those of the 300 HAM’R. Third, now consider the energy level of both the 300 HAM’R and the .308 Winchester. I’m going to use some “basic” numbers just to explain my theory and to keep the math simple. Say the 300 HAM’R creates 1840 foot pounds (130 gr. @ 2525 FPS) and the .308 Winchester creates 2649 foot pounds (Hornady’s 150 gr. @ 2800 fps). Due to the lower velocity of the HAM’R, it dumps 80% of its energy as it passes through the animal. The higher velocity of the .308 Win. results in it dumping only 60% of its energy in the animal. Either way, the total amount of energy expended in the animal is within about 100 FT/LB with either cartridge and the results are about the same. Yes, there is no way I can set my LabRadar behind a deer and all of this is just a theory. But what else am I going to think about while sitting in a deer stand? 
At the same time, we can change the loads for either cartridge and that would change the results somewhat, but the principle is the same. Either way, to me, that explains the way that bear just crumpled. |
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Quoted: Yes, hopefully we can keep the 300 HAM'R discussions here I "think" I posted some 11.3" velocity #s on the THF thread??? As to powder we only use two, Hodgdon CFEBLK or Shooters World SOCOM. For a 11.3" SOCOM is probably the best choice overall. We've only used CFEBLK for all loads using 125gr or heavier bullets though. If I wanted to work up the optimal 11.3" load I'd also play with H110/W296 and Lil'Gun, you just have to be VERY careful with these faster powders, they can go from save to unsafe within .2gr |
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Here's my suitable bullet list. I'm sure there are other bullets that will also work, but these are the ones I've tested.
31 Bullets That Are Suitable for the 300 HAM’R and Recommended OAL 95gr Lehigh CC 2.255” OAL * 110gr Hornady SP #3010, 2.220” OAL, BC .256 ** 110gr Hornady V-MAX #23010, 2.255” OAL, BC .290 * 110gr Lehigh CC #05-308-110-CUSP, 2.255” OAL, BC .253 * 110gr Barnes TSX #30341 or TAC-X #30336, 2.255” OAL 110gr Nosler Varmageddon #34057, 2.255” OAL, BC .293 * 110gr Sierra HP-V #2110, 2.175” OAL, BC .177 * 125gr Sierra SBT PH #2120, 2.250” OAL, BC .279 ** 125gr Speer TNT #1986/#4725, 2.255” OAL, BC .341 ** 125gr Sierra FNHP #2020, 2.110”OAL, BC .119 130gr Speer HP #2005, 2.170” OAL, BC .244 * 130gr Speer FNHC #2007, 1.170” OAL, BC .248 * 130gr Speer HAM’R RNHC #20041125, 2.175” OAL, BC .248 ** (WC exclusive bullet) 130gr Hornady SP #3020, 2.215” OAL, BC .295 135gr Speer HAM’R Bonded, 2.255” OAL (New WC exclusive bullet, no BC info available yet) ** 135gr Sierra HP-V #2124, 2.230” OAL, BC .275 150gr Hornady SST #30303, 2.255” OAL, BC .370 ** 150gr Speer FNHC #2011, 2.155” OAL, BC .255 150gr Speer SPHC #2023, 2.255” OAL, BC .377 150gr Speer HAM’R Bonded 2.255” OAL BC 387 ** (WC exclusive bullet) 150gr Speer Gold Dot #308150GDB, 2.255” OAL, BC .503 150gr Speer Gold Dot (Blackout) #308150BLKGDB 2.255” OAL, BC .463 ** 150gr Speer Grand Slam #2026, 2.255” OAL, BC .295 * 150gr Nosler Partition #16329, 2.255” OAL, BC .387 150gr Federal Fusion BSP #FB308F1, 2.255” OAL, BC .387 ** 150gr Sierra FNPH #2000, 2.155” OAL, BC .185 150gr Sierra RNPH #2135, 2.175” OAL, BC .200 150gr Remington RN CoreLokt, 2.175” OAL 150gr Berry FMJ #70631, 2.250” OAL 150gr Speer TMJ #308150TMJ, 2.250” OAL 150gr Winchester PP #WB30PP150, 2.255” OAL * denotes a very good bullet choice, ** denotes my personal GO TO bullets |
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Quoted:
Here's my suitable bullet list. I'm sure there are other bullets that will also work, but these are the ones I've tested. 31 Bullets That Are Suitable for the 300 HAM’R and Recommended OAL 95gr Lehigh CC 2.255” OAL * 110gr Hornady SP #3010, 2.220” OAL, BC .256 ** 110gr Hornady V-MAX #23010, 2.255” OAL, BC .290 * 110gr Lehigh CC #05-308-110-CUSP, 2.255” OAL, BC .253 * 110gr Barnes TSX #30341 or TAC-X #30336, 2.255” OAL 110gr Nosler Varmageddon #34057, 2.255” OAL, BC .293 * 110gr Sierra HP-V #2110, 2.175” OAL, BC .177 * 125gr Sierra SBT PH #2120, 2.250” OAL, BC .279 ** 125gr Speer TNT #1986/#4725, 2.255” OAL, BC .341 ** 125gr Sierra FNHP #2020, 2.110”OAL, BC .119 130gr Speer HP #2005, 2.170” OAL, BC .244 * 130gr Speer FNHC #2007, 1.170” OAL, BC .248 * 130gr Speer HAM’R RNHC #20041125, 2.175” OAL, BC .248 ** (WC exclusive bullet) 130gr Hornady SP #3020, 2.215” OAL, BC .295 135gr Speer HAM’R Bonded, 2.255” OAL (New WC exclusive bullet, no BC info available yet) ** 135gr Sierra HP-V #2124, 2.230” OAL, BC .275 150gr Hornady SST #30303, 2.255” OAL, BC .370 ** 150gr Speer FNHC #2011, 2.155” OAL, BC .255 150gr Speer SPHC #2023, 2.255” OAL, BC .377 150gr Speer HAM’R Bonded 2.255” OAL BC 387 ** (WC exclusive bullet) 150gr Speer Gold Dot #308150GDB, 2.255” OAL, BC .503 150gr Speer Gold Dot (Blackout) #308150BLKGDB 2.255” OAL, BC .463 ** 150gr Speer Grand Slam #2026, 2.255” OAL, BC .295 * 150gr Nosler Partition #16329, 2.255” OAL, BC .387 150gr Federal Fusion BSP #FB308F1, 2.255” OAL, BC .387 ** 150gr Sierra FNPH #2000, 2.155” OAL, BC .185 150gr Sierra RNPH #2135, 2.175” OAL, BC .200 150gr Remington RN CoreLokt, 2.175” OAL 150gr Berry FMJ #70631, 2.250” OAL 150gr Speer TMJ #308150TMJ, 2.250” OAL 150gr Winchester PP #WB30PP150, 2.255” OAL * denotes a very good bullet choice, ** denotes my personal GO TO bullets If I were to experiment with the 125 MKZ (or another bullet for that matter) is there an "off the lands" distance (or anything else) that I should be mindful of before proceeding? |
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Quoted: Thank you VERY MUCH for your reply! Great info! If I were to experiment with the 125 MKZ (or another bullet for that matter) is there an "off the lands" distance (or anything else) that I should be mindful of before proceeding? |
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We have been putting the HAM'R to work this week. My hunting partner #1 dropped a really nice 8-point in its tracks yesterday, and hunting partner #2 repeated the process today.
Counting the 8 I got last week that is three the HAM'R has put down for us. The first two were through and through, but the one today had the bullet go in right behind the right shoulder and I found it right under the skin on the back of the left hindquarter. The 130 HotCore had 23 inches of penetration and 85% weight retention (111 grains), I can't complain about the rifles, bullets, or loads. (Does that take some of the fun out it? After all, this is the internet.) |
| Any chance you will sell just a complete upper? Been questioning in another thread of a 1:10 twist to get better range with the 300BO until it was suggested to consider this beast. Looks dam good in my book from what I have read so far. I see you sell just the barrels too. Have bought multiple uppers but never built one yet. this may be my 1st if you don't sell complete uppers. |
| I can't speak for Wilson Combat, but they say on their web site that complete uppers will be offered. I imagine they need to catch up with the demand for rifles first. If you want to shoot supersonic the 300 HAM'R is the way to go, subsonic belongs to the 300 BO, 300 Whisper, or 300 Fireball. |
| I just looked at their web site and see no mention on uppers so I sent them a message to ask. Maybe I missed somewhere. thanks for the info though. Asked about the 458 too. Been considering a 450 bushmaster down the road and saw they offer a 458 Ham'R. Something to consider later. The 300 Ham'R has my attention right now. Its temping to rebarrel my current 16 inch 300BO to the Ham"R and save my empty lower for a big bore like the 450 Bushmaster or similar. Dam to many choices, not enough cash. |
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Dam to many choices, not enough cash. Define your need (or major want ) and then select your best option. I reviewed the 458 HAM'R and it did everything they said it would, but shooting the baby HAM'R is a lot more enjoyable. Old men and recoil does not blend well.
Since I don't have a suppressor (and won't until they change the requirements) a 300 BO really doesn't appeal to me and the 300 HAM'R gives me the better ballistics and accuracy. |
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Many of us know that feeling. Old men and recoil does not blend well. |
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Ain't that the truth. Add 2 back surgeries and its a bitch. I just got out of the Grendel and have a free lower looking for a upper. My other thread was about 1:10 or more to get a bit more accurate distance with the 300BO. IF what they say is true about load data with the different bullets listed, then their claim is right on about being a Ham'R. I still have some more research on it before deciding. Been emailing wilson combat all day. So far its what I am looking for. BUT, what would happen if I put a 300BO round in the chamber by mistake and fired? You know how shit happens. Wouldn't plan it but something I would like to know. They don't have an 300 Ham'R upper listed on their web site but from an email i got from them, I need to contact customer service to find out. Will be doing that soon. As to uppers we build 300 HAM'R uppers every day and can build you whatever you want, just pick the upper and bbl you want. Build time in less than a week. I'm pretty sure we have black 16" PROTECTOR uppers in stock. |
| Mr. Wilson just answered while I was outside confirming the issue. I tried both 220 gr. and 125 gr. .300 Blackout rounds in my 300 HAM'R. Both rounds seated too deeply into the chamber to fire. They went so deep that the extractor never captured the rim and I had to push them out with a bore rod. |
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Quoted: Chances are a .300BLK won't fire in the 300 HAM'R chamber due to excessive headspace, but it if did there would be no safety issue. WC is not aware of any cartridge that could chamber/fire in the 300 HAM'R chamber that would pose a safety issue. As to uppers we build 300 HAM'R uppers every day and can build you whatever you want, just pick the upper and bbl you want. Build time in less than a week. I'm pretty sure we have black 16" PROTECTOR uppers in stock. |
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For Immediate Release
Wilson Combat is excited to announce that the 300 HAM’R cartridge, originally developed in 2018, has been accepted by SAAMI as a standardized cartridge. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute, Inc. (SAAMI), is the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components. The .30 caliber cartridge is designed to optimize performance of 95gr-150gr bullets and to function in the AR15 platform. Muzzle velocities range from 2280fps to 2770fps out of a 16” barrel depending on bullet weight. The cartridge operates at a maximum average pressure of 57,500psi. Designed for self defense, law enforcement and hunting applications, the terminal performance of the cartridge is comparable to the legendary .30-30 Winchester. However, the 300 HAM’R has a substantially flatter trajectory due to the higher ballistic coefficient of the bullets used. In addition, Wilson Combat would like to publicly thank Starline Brass of Sedalia, MO, Western Powders of Miles City, MT and Sig Sauer Ammunition of Jacksonville, AR for their assistance during development and an extra thanks to Sig Sauer Ammunition for submitting the cartridge to SAAMI. About Wilson Combat: Wilson Combat has been in business since 1977 and is an industry leading manufacturer of high quality firearms for self protection, law enforcement, military and recreational use. Headquartered in Berryville, Arkansas Wilson Combat manufactures cutting edge handguns, rifles, shotguns, firearm accessories and ammunition. Visit WILSONCOMBAT.COM for more information. |
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Quoted:
For Immediate Release Wilson Combat is excited to announce that the 300 HAM’R cartridge, originally developed in 2018, has been accepted by SAAMI as a standardized cartridge. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute, Inc. (SAAMI), is the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components. The .30 caliber cartridge is designed to optimize performance of 95gr-150gr bullets and to function in the AR15 platform. Muzzle velocities range from 2280fps to 2770fps out of a 16” barrel depending on bullet weight. The cartridge operates at a maximum average pressure of 57,500psi. Designed for self defense, law enforcement and hunting applications, the terminal performance of the cartridge is comparable to the legendary .30-30 Winchester. However, the 300 HAM’R has a substantially flatter trajectory due to the higher ballistic coefficient of the bullets used. In addition, Wilson Combat would like to publicly thank Starline Brass of Sedalia, MO, Western Powders of Miles City, MT and Sig Sauer Ammunition of Jacksonville, AR for their assistance during development and an extra thanks to Sig Sauer Ammunition for submitting the cartridge to SAAMI. About Wilson Combat: Wilson Combat has been in business since 1977 and is an industry leading manufacturer of high quality firearms for self protection, law enforcement, military and recreational use. Headquartered in Berryville, Arkansas Wilson Combat manufactures cutting edge handguns, rifles, shotguns, firearm accessories and ammunition. Visit WILSONCOMBAT.COM for more information. |
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