I'm looking to change another one of my .223 wylde uppers into a 300 HAMR. I want to go with a 16" but I want one of the heavier profile barrels. I have yet to see them in stock. Does anyone know when we can expect new barrels to become available on the WC website?

We just completed a production run of the LE profile (.700/.700) and a run of Recon profile (.840/.740) are in final cosmetic finishing now. I'd definitely recommend the LE profile we use for the Protector series unless you just want a heavy gun for some reason. My preference is the Ranger Profile (.675/.650) for a 16". We've seen NO increase in accuracy as the profiles get heavier. I've even got a prototype 16" that's only .625/.625 that still shoots sub-inch, Photo attached

From Bill Wilson - "We just completed a production run of the LE profile (.700/.700) and a run of Recon profile (.840/.740) are in final cosmetic finishing now. I'd definitely recommend the LE profile we use for the Protector series unless you just want a heavy gun for some reason. My preference is the Ranger Profile (.675/.650) for a 16". We've seen NO increase in accuracy as the profiles get heavier. I've even got a prototype 16" that's only .625/.625 that still shoots sub-inch, Photo attached"


I will verify this with my results as well. I have a Ranger Profile 16" that shoots very well with no issues. I considered going with a slightly heavier profile, but after shooting this one, I'm glad I didn't. I have loads with several bullets that shoot sub minute groups with no problems - highly recommended.

I was leaning towards the LE profile. The reason for the heavier barrel choice was recoil management, as I don't intend to use a muzzle brake. Hunting the heavy brush in the Appalachian mountains and I don't want twigs or other debris to get caught up in a brake or flash hider. But that's no reason to go crazy heavy. I'll keep watching the website closely. A new 300 HAMR is soon to be assembled. BTW I'm really liking the 135 grain bonded bullets. A great all around load!

Sage, as a FYI our 5 best selling barrels listed in order are:

18" Tac Hunter fluted/threaded
16" Ranger round/threaded
11.3" SBR round/fluted
18" BW Ranch round/threaded
18" Tac Hunter round/threaded

Any ETA on the 11.3" Ham'r barrel?

In the same caliber, of course, what's the weight on the 18" Tac Hunter vs the 16" Ranger (Complete gun)?

The only reason I see to go with a heavy barrel is heat dissipation for rapid fire in LE use. I have found, if they fit the profile, the JP Thermal Dissipators suck heat from the barrel quick enough to burn me if I accidentally touch the cooling fins through the rail. I cut them in half with my table saw and get two for one, installing as close to the chamber as possible on light profile barrels. I find these actually give better cooling than heavier profile barrels, even fluted ones, with less weight.

I am EXTREMELY satisfied with all four of my Wilson Combat 300 HAM'r barrels. Dissipator on 11.3" WC HAM'R Barrel with ALG rail...

We're currently in the process of changing the twist rate on the 11.3" and 14.7" barrels to a 1-13 to assure full stabilization of 150gr bullets in extremely cold weather so I can't give you a exact timeline. Best estimate is late May/early June timeframe.

1-13 seems to be the optimal twist rate for 16" length too for those who want to maximize accuracy of 150gr bullets, so we eventually plan to also offer a couple of 16" options in both 1-13 and 1-15 twist rates.

16" LE profile barrel on order! Can't wait to get it installed and shooting!

Looking forward to getting an 11.3" for my pistol build. I have a 16.2" Ranger profile on the way for an upper I'm building for my dad.

New barrel (16" LE profile) arrived today. The barrel had a yellow spot on the extension, some sort of marking I'm guessing. It cleaned off easily leaving the barrel flawless. It's assembled, cleaned, and bore aligned. Tomorrow morning will be its first range trip for a basic sight in and function check. If all goes well I might even see some good groups!

Good deal, best groups usually come after 100-200rds through the barrel

you're doing a bang up job here willy, but it's time for another vid. unfortunately it's a short one cuz i haven't got in much hunting. maybe that'll change soon.

Range trip complete. Function for the first 30 rounds was flawless. Accuracy at 50 yards was one hole. At 100 yards I was getting about 1 1/2" groups but some of that can be attributed to the 1-6x scope. I was having a hard time picking out the center dot on the reticle. The dot is 1/2 moa but it was covering the 1/2" red squares on the target making my point of aim a little sloppy. I'm going to get some 2" orange spots for my next outing to try and improve my hold. I'd say I had at least a 1/2 moa error. I was able to put three rounds touching in several five shot groups. Right now I think it's shooting better than my optics will allow me to see. Plenty accurate for hunting deer at 50 yards or less (usually less) in the Appalachian mountains.

I had a few minutes today at our property so took the HAM’R to the range for some trigger time. Four different rounds from 100 yards. Top right was 130gr HC, center was 150gr bonded, bottom left was 150gr SST and bottom right was 110gr CC. I’m happy with all of them. Most of my shots while hunting are under 150 yards so this accuracy will work. I will use the SST ammo on hogs and the bonded and HC ammo for deer.

Nothing wrong with that and shows how versatile the HAM'R is. As a FYI the 150gr Bonded is a pretty tough bullet for deer, even the larger northern ones. If you want a bonded bullet the new 135gr would be a much better choice and it's typically more accurate than the 150gr. The 150gr HAM'R BONDED is for 400#+ game.

For deer and hogs you simply can't go wrong with any of the following loads:

130gr HAM'R HOT-COR
135gr HAM'R BONDED
135gr FTX (ammo will be available this week)
150gr SST
150gr BTSP (this has become my favorite all around bullet. Accurate, good terminal performance on game up to 400#, normally available and inexpensive.)

MC68, what barrel length?

Bill,

In your experience, what are the difference you see between the 135 ham'r bonded and the 150 btsp?

18 inch barrel.

In your experience, what are the difference you see between the 135 ham'r bonded and the 150 btsp?

SD, In regards to accuracy both are very good, pretty consistent sub-inch in my guns. In regards to terminal performance both kill hogs well (I didn't have these two bullets back during deer season so can't comment on deer performance) just differently. The 150BTSP performs much like the 130HHC and 150SST by expanding violently and loosing some weight (normally 20-30%) which creates a lot of internal damage. The 135HB expands a LOT but normally retains 95+% of it's weight. So it kinda depends which camp your in as to which one is best. I've killed a lot of hogs (5 last night) with the 150BTSP and does a VERY good job. But for hogs/deer sized game I'm in the dramatic expansion loose 20-30% of the weight camp. Bottom line both kill well if you place them in the right spot.

We had some additional pressure testing done and a few updates have been made to the load data posted on the WC web site. Also the 135gr Hornady FTX load is now available.

i did some pressure testing of my own.

Powder Valley has Hodgdon CFEBLK in stock in case anyone needs any.

djones...you’re approaching max pressure...proceed with caution