.458 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

.458 HAM'R: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Hunting, Self-Defense
Case Design Rimless, Straight
Year Introduced 2017

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

Pros

  • ✔ High stopping power for large game
  • ✔ Excellent performance in short-barreled rifles
  • ✔ Compatible with AR-10 platform
  • ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
  • ✔ Effective for dangerous game at close ranges

Cons

  • ✘ Limited ammunition availability compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Higher recoil than smaller calibers
  • ✘ More expensive than mainstream rifle ammunition
  • ✘ Shorter effective range compared to smaller, faster rounds
  • ✘ Heavier ammunition reduces capacity in magazine-fed firearms

.458 HAM'R: A Powerful AR-15 Cartridge

The .458 HAM'R is a large-bore rifle cartridge designed for use in AR-15 style rifles. Developed by Wilson Combat in 2017, it offers significant power and versatility in a compact package. The .458 HAM'R was created to provide superior terminal ballistics and stopping power compared to other AR-15 compatible cartridges, making it suitable for hunting large game and tactical applications.

Development and Design

The .458 HAM'R was developed by Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat to address the limitations of existing large-bore AR-15 cartridges. It was designed to offer ballistics similar to the .45-70 Government cartridge but in a form factor compatible with the AR-15 platform. The cartridge uses a shortened .458 SOCOM case necked up to .458 caliber, allowing for higher pressures and increased velocity compared to its predecessors.

Wilson Combat engineered the .458 HAM'R to operate at a maximum average pressure of 46,000 PSI, significantly higher than the .458 SOCOM's 35,000 PSI. This increased pressure results in higher velocities and improved energy transfer, enhancing the cartridge's effectiveness for hunting and self-defense scenarios. The .458 HAM'R can propel 300-grain bullets at velocities exceeding 2,100 fps, delivering over 3,000 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.

Performance and Applications

The .458 HAM'R offers exceptional performance for its size. It is capable of taking large game animals such as elk, moose, and bear at moderate ranges. The cartridge's high sectional density and heavy bullet weight contribute to deep penetration and reliable expansion, making it effective for hunting and defensive use. In tactical applications, the .458 HAM'R provides significant stopping power in a compact, manageable platform.

While primarily designed for use in AR-15 style rifles, the .458 HAM'R has also been adapted for use in bolt-action rifles. This versatility allows hunters and shooters to choose from a variety of firearm platforms while benefiting from the cartridge's impressive ballistics. The .458 HAM'R's performance has garnered attention from hunters, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts seeking a powerful option for their AR-15 rifles.

Timeline of .458 HAM'R Development:

Year Event
2020 Increased adoption of the .458 HAM'R by hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
2018 Wilson Combat introduces additional rifle models chambered in .458 HAM'R.
2017 Official release of the .458 HAM'R cartridge by Wilson Combat.
2017 Wilson Combat completes development and testing of the .458 HAM'R.
2016 Bill Wilson begins development of the .458 HAM'R cartridge.

.458 HAM'R Performance Characteristics

The .458 HAM'R offers impressive ballistic performance, particularly for a cartridge compatible with the AR-15 platform. Here are its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 300-350 grains
Optimal performance with 300-grain bullets
Muzzle Velocity 2,100-2,200 fps (300-grain bullet)
Varies based on barrel length and specific load
Muzzle Energy 3,000-3,200 ft-lbs
Comparable to .45-70 Government loads
Effective Range 200-250 yards
Suitable for most hunting scenarios
Maximum Pressure 46,000 PSI
Higher than .458 SOCOM, allowing for increased performance

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .458 HAM'R loads.

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

.458 HAM'R: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .458 HAM'R ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Hunting (Large Game) 0-300 Excellent for large game, including bear and elk
Target Shooting 0-200 Powerful recoil limits long-range accuracy for most shooters
Self-Defense 0-100 Devastating stopping power at close range

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .458 HAM'R is known for its high energy delivery and stopping power at shorter ranges compared to smaller calibers. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .458 HAM'R

The .458 HAM'R's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:

Hunting
  • Designed for hunting large and dangerous game
  • Excellent for bear, elk, and other large North American game
  • Effective at ranges up to 300 yards for skilled shooters
Target Shooting
  • Used in specialized big-bore shooting competitions
  • High recoil provides a challenge for experienced shooters
  • Limited long-range potential compared to smaller calibers
Self-Defense
  • Powerful option for defense against large predators in wilderness areas
  • Extreme stopping power in close-quarters situations
  • Overpenetration is a significant concern in urban environments
Specialized Military/Law Enforcement
  • Potential use in specialized units for breaching or vehicle interdiction
  • High energy transfer useful for defeating intermediate barriers
  • Limited adoption due to recoil and magazine capacity trade-offs

Caliber Comparisons: .458 HAM'R

The .458 HAM'R is a powerful large-bore cartridge designed for AR-10 platforms. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar cartridges:

.458 HAM'R vs. .458 SOCOM ▼

.458 HAM'R vs. .450 Bushmaster ▼

.458 HAM'R vs. .45-70 Government ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .458 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

.223 Remington Recoil Energy Comparison Chart">
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 .458 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 .458 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 .458 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 .458 HAM'R

The .458 HAM'R is a large bore cartridge designed for AR-10 platforms, offering significant power and penetration for hunting and tactical applications.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.458 HAM'R 300 0.238
.458 HAM'R 325 0.258
.458 HAM'R 350 0.278
.458 SOCOM 300 0.238
.450 Bushmaster 250 0.210

Note: The .458 HAM'R offers higher velocities and energy compared to similar large bore AR cartridges like the .458 SOCOM. Its sectional density values indicate good penetration potential, especially with heavier bullet weights.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .458 HAM'R cartridge?

A: The .458 HAM'R is a large bore rifle cartridge developed by Wilson Combat in 2017. It's designed to be used in AR-10 style rifles and offers significant power for hunting large game at moderate ranges.

Q: How does the .458 HAM'R compare to the .458 SOCOM?

A: The .458 HAM'R is more powerful than the .458 SOCOM. It has a longer case (1.850" vs 1.575") and operates at higher pressures (65,000 PSI vs 35,000 PSI), resulting in higher velocities and more energy.

Q: What is the effective range of the .458 HAM'R?

A: The .458 HAM'R is effective for hunting large game out to about 250 yards. Beyond this range, the large bullet's trajectory becomes less predictable due to its lower velocity compared to smaller calibers.

Q: Can .458 HAM'R be used in standard AR-15 platforms?

A: No, the .458 HAM'R cannot be used in standard AR-15 platforms. It requires an AR-10 style rifle due to its larger case dimensions and higher operating pressures.

Q: What type of game is the .458 HAM'R suitable for hunting?

A: The .458 HAM'R is suitable for hunting large game such as elk, moose, and bear. Its high energy and large bullet diameter make it effective for taking down large animals at moderate ranges.

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