You should get good expansion at the following impact velocities:

125gr Sierra SPT PH 1700fps
130gr HAM'R HOT-COR 1800fps
135gr HAM'R BONDED 1800fps
135gr FTX 1600fps
150gr Gold Dot (Blackout version) 1600fps
150gr Speer BTSP 1800fps
150gr SST (300 Savage version) 1700fps

I've never had any of the above bullets fail to properly expand on a game animal out to a range of 300yds.. My longest shot has been a whitetail buck last season at 315yds and the bullet did it's job

Many many thanks to you Bill for your fast response!! I really appreciate the time put by you and other in this thread...this had a huge impact on my decision to go with the HAMR.

Bill,
Was this 150 GD tested in real yardage velocity check? I am asking to see if the Speer listed BC at 0.463 is for real. It seems a little optimistic and I usually look at real data at certain distance how the bullet behave. Anyone checked if their BC is close to true?

On that same note, I went to order some 150 ammo and I didn't see the bullet nor the 150 GD ammo available for purchase. Are you getting it back?

One last thing, Do you have the velocity threshold for the 150 Hamr Bonded for expansion?

Thanks again

The .463BC Speer lists can't possibly we correct for the 150 BLKGDB, using my Labradar I'm getting a BC of .326

I'm confident this bullet will expand at a impact velocity of 1800fps, probably lower since it's designed for the Blackout. We don't load this bullet commercially since Speer doesn't sell it bulk for OEM, we'd have to buy them in 50ct boxes.

Thanks Bill. That's what i figured. Way over rated from the Speer website. That's why I like your real work experience on these type of things.

What about the 150 Hamr Bonded. I dont see it on their website but it seems exclusive to WC. the BC listed at 0.387. Is that based on your calculation? I hope so, because I will trust that instead

By the way, You had mentioned that you will be testing a barrel with 11 twist soon. How this went if any?

I think the .387BC is reasonably close on the 150gr bonded

This specific 1-11 didn't shoot the 160gr FTX any better than any other twist, which means poorly (2"-3") so I've given up on this bullet as just being inaccurate. It does however shoot most 150gr VERY well and the 150gr Speer BTSP exceptionally well (.75"-1"). It also shoots the 135FTX super accurate (.3"-.7") and almost to the same POI as the 150BTSP so those two loads are what I settled on for this bbl.. Based on the 10k+ rounds of HAM'R I've shot the Sierra 125gr SPT PH and the Hornady 135gr FTX are overall the two most accurate bullets. The 135FTX is the only bullet that doesn't seem to care what the velocity is for good accuracy, I've shot it from 2350fps to 2450fps and it shot well at all velocities. DISCLAIMER: Anything over 2375fps from a 16" or 2400fps from a 18" will be over MAX with the 135FTX!!! As a FYI Hornady's recommended MV range for this bullet is 1600-2300fps since it's designed for the Blackout, so I stand corrected on a previous post, I'd expect this bullet to expand down to a impact velocity of 1300-1400fps

Thank you for getting back to us on that experiment. Any plans to offer this twist rate in a 16" barrel?

Do you have the impact velocity for good expansion for the 150 Bonded? I am guessing the above number is for the 135 FTX.

No plans for any twist other than the following:

8" 1-11.25
11.3" 1-11.25
14.7" - 20" 1-13 and 1-15

The 150 Bonded is a real tough bullet, I wouldn't count on much expansion below 1800fps impact

I have a question regarding primers.

Since it's almost impossible to find CCI #450, I've managed to get CCI #41.
From what I could find they should be identical "magnum" primers only that #41's anvil is located a bit farther to increase safety (which should allow carrying loaded rifle on the hunts, more safely).

I wonder if mu assumption that #41 can be safely used in 300hamr correct and if anyone have experience using those?

I did a test using the Military #41 and the main difference I found was it widened my extreme spreads, no average velocity change to speak of. I was running the 135 FTX and using standard primers I had an average velocity of 2466 fps and an extreme spread of 18 fps with a S.O.D. of 6.8 and with the 41 it put my average at 2462 fps, extreme spreads to 45fps, and 17.4 S.O.D.

Thanks for the information.
I still wonder how military primers compare to magnums Wilson Combat recommend for 300hamr.

I've used 41s, 400s and Fed AR primers with no issues, 450s just seem to produce the most consistent loads

For years I had wondered about the comparison of various primers. When I started playing with the HAM'R I decided it was time to put them all to the test. I loaded Winchester WSR, Federal 205, Remington 7 1/2 and CCI 400. 450. and 41 all using the same load of CFE-BLK. and Speer's 130 gr. HC. All of the loads used once fired Starline "300 HAM'R" brass. (In other words, I tried all of the primers my gun shop had available.)

The first thing I noticed was that the Remington 7 1/2 BR primers did not fit as "snug" as the other brands. Plus, I didn't notice any advantage in using a "bench-rest" primer. The Winchester and CCI gave me the most uniform results in Velocity, ES, and SD. The CCI 450 and 41 have a harder cup than the 400, but the performance was about the same. Since the harder cup is a bit safer when it comes to a slam-fire situation I prefer the 450 & 41's. I found the 450 to be cheaper, more available, and they gave a very slight edge in performance, I have chosen to use them. However, the Winchester and CCI 400 were close enough that I wouldn't feel bad about using either one.

The truth is, out of the ones I tried, I didn't find any primer that really stood out and yelled "use me" when compared to the others. I could not say you were wrong no matter what you used. I just prefer a snug fit, slightly harder cup and consistent performance.

(Before you wonder how I judged the "hardness' of the cup used with the 450 & 41 let me explain. I have one rifle than will misfire with the harder cups due to a lighter spring. The CCI 400's fire every time, but the 450's and 41's will give me light primer hits.)

I was looking at the bullets list offered by Mr Wilson for the Ham'r and found one that is or should be good but couldn't find any data so I am asking if anyone ever used it and measure the accuracy @ 100 yards and Muzzle velocity.
The bullet is "150 gr Nosler Partition (spitzer)". The only issue I see is the length at 1.10"...But it was listed so I am guessing it an OK round for the cartridge.

This bullet "will work", but is not a very good choice for the following reasons:

It's designed for more velocity than we can achieve with the HAM'R, thus making it a very tough bullet

Due to it's design it causes the loads to generate more pressure at lower velocity any most other 150gr choices, especially the Speer 150gr BTSP which generates the lowest pressure thus allowing for the highest velocity of any 150gr bullet

If you want a 150gr bullet these are the GOOD choices:

Hornady 150gr SST (#30303 Savage variant)
Speer 150gr BTSP HOT-COR
Speer 150gr Gold Dot (.300BLK variant)
Speer 150gr HAM'R BONDED

My GO TO bullets for hogs are the SST and BTSP

Good to know Bill. Thank you!

I have ordered bunch of 150 ammo and we will try it once I have them.
But I couldn't find any bullets in 150 gr for sale, are you getting any soon?

And can you provide the bullet length for these:
150 HAMR BONDED
150 Gold Dot

We buy most of the bullets bulk for OEM use to mfg ammo and are not allowed by the mfg to sell them as components.

150gr HAM'R BONDED 1.065"
150gr GOLD DOT (BLK variant) 1.040"

Bill,

Quite a few pages back you spoke of using a single gas ring on the AR bolt. Do you sell this on your site? I couldn't find it.

Thanks,

Bryan

Bryan, Tks for bringing to my attention that we don't have the gas rings listed as an accessory, we're fixing that today and they should be up and available by tomorrow. $8.95 for a package of 3

I wonder if anyone tried Vihtavuori N120 in 300hamr?
My testing shows that it is great in 300blk subsonic and requires ~5% less powder for similar performance as CFEBlk.
I know it costs ~25% more but it is significantly cleaner, more consistent, easier to get (due to low demand) and might provide better performance than CFEBlk.
In addition if N120 do not generate max pressure , N110 might be an option ;-)

Trust me, I've tried EVERY powder that I thought would be remotely viable including N120. It's been awhile, but as I remember I ran out of powder capacity before I got decent velocity. H110 is too fast except for possibly the 95-110gr loads and it pressure spikes quickly. Based on all the testing and pressure data I don't think there are any powders available that will come close to the cartridge potential other than CFEBLK, A1680, Blackout and SOCOM. I don't like any powder except CFEBLK for 135gr bullets or heavier. However IF your willing to give up 100fps there are other choices like N120 that will give good accuracy. Bullets that are designed for the Blackout like the Hornady 135gr FTX and Speer 150gr Gold Dot (Blackout variant) or varmint bullets like the Hornady 110gr SP and Speer 130gr HP perform fine on game at the lower velocities. Also unless the gun is overgassed with CFEBLK and your running a Mil-Spec buffer/spring the faster powders like H110 can give function issues.

As always, thank you for detailed and prompt answer!

I've used @Graycard's instructions as a basis for my brass conversion procedure and here it is:

1. I cut 5.56mm brass to 1.606 on HarborFreight saw with slightly modified Squirrel Daddy Deluxe 300 Blackout Jig.

2. I use Lee 300hamr full length sizing die (from PaceSetter kit #91564) to size the brass.
Brass length doesn't change during sizing.
The trick for proper sizing, is what I call a "Double Tap" method (I've learned that trick while sizing 300blk).
The idea is to size each case twice, as quick as possible (usually I do not even lower the case from the die fully before inserting it again).
My theory is that the second pass acts a "forging" since the brass (especially the neck) is still hot from the first sizing (if you quick enough).
Without the "DoubleTap" sizing, the resulting dimensions are inconsistent and will often fail case gauge test. The other option is to "over-size" the case which IMHO will shorten case lifespan and might cause headspace issues.

3. I trim the case to 1.594 (identical to factory brass) using Lee Quick Power Trim Deluxe and Lee Quick Trim die.
I was lucky to pick up the last QT die directly from Lee. Part #91609, maybe they will do another run if there is an interest.

The conversion process is surprisingly quick and easy. When comparing to 300blk conversion, sizing is takes less effort and trimming is significantly faster.

P.S.
While sizing I use, what seems to be (at least I've never heard anyone using it), unique case lubrication method.
I use small plastic box (big enough to contain 25-35 cases, put a drop of lanolin, shake it for 10-15 seconds and size the brass.
After the brass is sized, lanolin can be easily wiped using paper towel.
To my knowledge, no other method is as quick, smooth, cheap and efficient as that one.
Since lanolin is organic substance it doesn't affect the powder/primers and it will soften your skin as a pleasant side effect ;-)

Sweet. Thanks Bill. Can't tell you enough how awesome it is to have you on this forum.

I wonder if Hornady 150gr InterLock® BTSP (#3033) is usable in 300hamr?
It seems to have similar characteristics to Speer BTSP and Hornady SST, should expand down to 1950fps and it is readily available.