.300 HAM'R

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.300 HAM'R: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle, AR-15 Platform
Primer Type Small Rifle
Used For Hunting, Sport Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2018

.300 HAM'R: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Superior ballistics compared to .300 Blackout
  • ✔ Excellent performance in short-barreled rifles
  • ✔ Effective for medium-sized game hunting
  • ✔ Compatible with standard AR-15 bolt
  • ✔ Higher muzzle energy than 5.56 NATO

Cons

  • ✘ Limited ammunition availability compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Higher recoil than .223 Remington/5.56 NATO
  • ✘ More expensive ammunition than .223/5.56
  • ✘ Reduced magazine capacity compared to smaller calibers
  • ✘ Not as widely adopted as other AR-15 cartridges

.300 HAM'R: A Comprehensive Overview

The .300 HAM'R is a rifle cartridge developed by Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat. It was designed to offer improved performance over the .223 Remington/5.56 NATO in AR-15 style rifles, particularly for hunting medium-sized game. The .300 HAM'R provides increased energy and terminal performance while maintaining compatibility with standard AR-15 bolt carrier groups and magazines.

Development and Design

The .300 HAM'R was introduced by Wilson Combat in 2018. It was created to bridge the gap between the .223 Remington and larger calibers like the .308 Winchester. The cartridge is based on the .223 Remington case, necked up to .30 caliber, and utilizes a proprietary shoulder angle and case length.

The .300 HAM'R was designed to function reliably in AR-15 platforms with minimal modifications. It uses standard .223/5.56 magazines and bolt carrier groups, requiring only a barrel change to implement. This design choice allows for easy conversion of existing AR-15 rifles to the new caliber.

Wilson Combat developed the cartridge to achieve optimal performance with 110-150 grain bullets. The .300 HAM'R delivers velocities around 2,500-2,700 fps with these bullet weights, offering significantly more energy than the .223 Remington while maintaining manageable recoil.

Performance and Applications

The .300 HAM'R offers superior ballistic performance compared to the .223 Remington and even surpasses the .300 Blackout in some aspects. It delivers higher velocities and more energy, making it suitable for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and hogs at moderate ranges.

In terms of terminal performance, the .300 HAM'R's increased bullet diameter and weight result in improved penetration and expansion on target. This makes it more effective for hunting and self-defense scenarios compared to smaller calibers.

The cartridge maintains good accuracy potential, with Wilson Combat reporting sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with their rifles and ammunition. The flat trajectory of the .300 HAM'R also allows for effective shooting at longer ranges compared to some other AR-15 compatible cartridges.

Timeline of .300 HAM'R Development:

Year Event
2020 SAAMI officially recognizes the .300 HAM'R cartridge, standardizing its specifications.
2019 Wilson Combat expands the .300 HAM'R product line, offering more rifle configurations and ammunition options.
2018 Wilson Combat introduces the .300 HAM'R cartridge to the public.
2017 Development and testing of the .300 HAM'R cartridge begins at Wilson Combat.

.300 HAM'R Performance Characteristics

Key performance metrics of the .300 HAM'R cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 2,500-2,700 fps (110-150 grain bullets)
Measured from a 16-inch barrel
Energy 1,500-1,800 ft-lbs at the muzzle
Varies based on bullet weight and load
Effective Range 300-400 yards
For hunting medium-sized game
Accuracy Sub-MOA at 100 yards
With quality ammunition and rifles
Recoil Moderate
More than .223 Rem, less than .308 Win

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .300 HAM'R loads.

Note: These values are based on standard loads. Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors.

.300 HAM'R: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .300 HAM'R ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Hunting (Medium Game) 0-300 Excellent for deer, hogs, and similar-sized game
Target Shooting 0-500 Capable of good accuracy at extended ranges
Self-Defense 0-150 Effective terminal ballistics, manageable recoil in AR-15 platform

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .300 HAM'R is designed to offer improved ballistics over the .300 Blackout while still functioning in the AR-15 platform. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .300 HAM'R

The .300 HAM'R's performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:

Hunting
  • Designed for medium game hunting, particularly effective on deer and hogs
  • Offers improved terminal ballistics over .223 Remington/5.56 NATO
  • Effective at ranges up to 300 yards for most hunting scenarios
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Suitable for AR-15 based competitions requiring more power than .223/5.56
  • Offers good accuracy potential for precision shooting
  • Moderate recoil allows for quick follow-up shots
Self-Defense
  • Provides improved stopping power over .223/5.56 in home defense scenarios
  • Functions well in short-barreled rifles
  • Manageable recoil in the AR-15 platform
Tactical Applications
  • Potential use in specialized law enforcement or security roles
  • Offers a balance of power and controllability in AR-15 sized weapons
  • May be suitable for situations requiring more power than 5.56 NATO but less than .308 Winchester

.300 HAM'R Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .300 HAM'R's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.300 HAM'R vs. .300 Blackout ▼

.300 HAM'R vs. 7.62x39mm ▼

.300 HAM'R vs. .223 Remington ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .300 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .300 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .300 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .300 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .300 HAM'R

The .300 HAM'R is a rifle cartridge designed to offer improved ballistics over the .300 Blackout while still being compatible with AR-15 platforms.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.300 HAM'R 110 0.166
.300 HAM'R 130 0.196
.300 HAM'R 150 0.226
.300 Blackout (for comparison) 125 0.188
5.56x45mm NATO (for comparison) 62 0.177

Note: The .300 HAM'R offers improved ballistics over the .300 Blackout, with higher sectional densities for heavier bullet weights. This contributes to better penetration and energy retention at longer ranges. The cartridge is designed to function in standard AR-15 platforms with only a barrel change.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .300 HAM'R cartridge?

A: The .300 HAM'R is a rifle cartridge developed by Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat. It's designed to offer improved performance over the .300 Blackout in AR-15 style rifles, particularly for hunting applications.

Q: How does the .300 HAM'R compare to the .300 Blackout?

A: The .300 HAM'R offers higher velocities and more energy than the .300 Blackout. It can push a 110-grain bullet to about 2,650 fps, compared to around 2,350 fps for the .300 Blackout. This results in improved terminal performance and extended effective range.

Q: Is the .300 HAM'R suitable for hunting?

A: Yes, the .300 HAM'R is well-suited for hunting medium-sized game. It's effective on deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals out to about 300 yards. The cartridge offers good terminal performance and accuracy for these applications.

Q: Can I convert my AR-15 to .300 HAM'R?

A: Yes, you can convert an AR-15 to .300 HAM'R by changing the barrel. The cartridge uses standard .223/5.56 bolts and magazines. However, it's recommended to use magazines specifically designed or marked for .300 HAM'R to ensure reliable feeding.

Q: What is the effective range of the .300 HAM'R?

A: The .300 HAM'R maintains good accuracy and energy out to about 300 yards for hunting applications. For target shooting, it can be effective at longer ranges, but bullet drop and wind drift become more significant factors beyond 300 yards.

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