For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I have hundreds of each of : LC, FC, USA WIN 556MM, Hornady 223 REM, IMI, amd Frontier 223 REM shell cases. Do all these headstampted shellcases work well when concerted to 300 HAM'R? Of course, I will sort by headstamp and work up loads for each headstamp. My serious hunting loads will be in WC, Starline or Sig Sauer shell cases.
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I have hundreds of each of : LC, FC, USA WIN 556MM, Hornady 223 REM, IMI, amd Frontier 223 REM shell cases. Do all these headstampted shellcases work well when concerted to 300 HAM'R? Of course, I will sort by headstamp and work up loads for each headstamp. My serious hunting loads will be in WC, Starline or Sig Sauer shell cases.
The only cases I've had trouble with are the PPU which the necks are too thick on so the loaded neck diameter is too large to fit into the chamber
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I shot a couple dozen hogs this year with the 125gr TNT. I was always looking for something a little bit better than the last but frankly if you're shooting at stationary hogs all the recommend bullets perform fine.
I had TNTs on the mag when I laid into a bruit. The first shot killed him but he just didn't know it yet. The other 6 he sucked up as he rumbled and stumbled toward the treeline gave me pause on the bullet.
After missing the boat on the WC bulk 130hhc projectiles I spent a boat load of money & range time on 135gr FTX and 150gr Speer #2022 & #2023 thinking they may work better magic. They may perform slightly better terminal ballistic wise but I don't think many (if any) of the couple hundred rounds I put on meat with them would have been less dead with TNT bullets landing in the same spot.
I took a mag loaded with 110gr vmax factory seconds last weekend to test my "no magic bullet" theory. Unfortunately the hogs seemed to have got the word & boogied out of the area. They were few and far between & I never made it through the 20rounds of ftx I still had in the gun before giving the vmax a shot.
In hindsight, maybe vmax is the magic hog eliminator. They pulled the same trick when I showed up with 110gr vmax in in 300blk last year
Thanks for the info. Sounds like the 125 TNT would make a decent "play" load for the range and a few coyotes. I've got too much of the "good stuff" to waste a chance on a decent deer to a varmint bullet.
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I shot a couple dozen hogs this year with the 125gr TNT. I was always looking for something a little bit better than the last but frankly if you're shooting at stationary hogs all the recommend bullets perform fine.
I had TNTs on the mag when I laid into a bruit. The first shot killed him but he just didn't know it yet. The other 6 he sucked up as he rumbled and stumbled toward the treeline gave me pause on the bullet.
After missing the boat on the WC bulk 130hhc projectiles I spent a boat load of money & range time on 135gr FTX and 150gr Speer #2022 & #2023 thinking they may work better magic. They may perform slightly better terminal ballistic wise but I don't think many (if any) of the couple hundred rounds I put on meat with them would have been less dead with TNT bullets landing in the same spot.
I took a mag loaded with 110gr vmax factory seconds last weekend to test my "no magic bullet" theory. Unfortunately the hogs seemed to have got the word & boogied out of the area. They were few and far between & I never made it through the 20rounds of ftx I still had in the gun before giving the vmax a shot.
In hindsight, maybe vmax is the magic hog eliminator. They pulled the same trick when I showed up with 110gr vmax in in 300blk last year
If you shoot them in the center of the neck with them slightly quartering to you ALL bullets are "magic"
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I'd like to suggest another "range" bullet, Accura 120SP (https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/308-120-sp/). I had very good luck with those. Ballistically (in 16" 1-13 Ranger) they are identical to 125 TNT. Since they are bonded/plated they should behave like Soft Point and therefore possibly good for hunting in a pinch. If anybody interested: COL 2.21, 25Gr CFEBLK.
So looks like we’re in for the long-haul ! I mean the 150 bonded shoots fantastic, no argument there ! Straight out of the box ! Was just thinking about the SST for deer, thinking a little more expansion on thinner skin game and not a bonded bullet.( never have used these in a rifle cartridge. Learning curve ) I hope Hornady gets it together. I went with the 18 tactical Hunter /13 twist, also went with the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 scope because it was only19 ounces as well as Ar Precision rings at 2.5 ounces. Bringing it to a light 21.5 ounces for scope and rings.7.4 lbs. total weight. A few years back I received a FALKOR DEFENSE CAITLYN. It is and was a hell of a shooter. Nothing I’ve had has come close, until this. The workmanship and out of the box accuracy with this WC tactical hunter rifle is in a different league in my opinion. Though subjective I understand The hog was shot with the Falkor. Hopefully within the week I’ll have at least one with the WC 😉
I saw this on another forum, so are these 150 grain gold dots designed for the 300Blk? Are they designed to operate at a lower velocity
The 150gr Gold Dot designed for the Blackout is a very good bullet in the HAM'R, the ogive is perfect for loading to full mag length of 2.255" and they kill game very well. The only downside is they create more pressure than some of the other 150gr bullets so keep the velocity below 2280fps from a 16" barrel.
i've seen the 125gr tnt do some amazing things on hogs and yotes. if someone told me they've seen them splash on contact or pencil through, i would not argue. strange things can happen with any bullet. i've tried most bullets from 110 to 135 grain and have no complaints about any of them. however, if i could only have one hamr bullet, it would be the tnt. i'm not looking for a mushroom or weight retention. i want total annihilation!!
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I'd like to suggest another "range" bullet, Accura 120SP (https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/308-120-sp/). I had very good luck with those. Ballistically (in 16" 1-13 Ranger) they are identical to 125 TNT. Since they are bonded/plated they should behave like Soft Point and therefore possibly good for hunting in a pinch. If anybody interested: COL 2.21, 25Gr CFEBLK.
I went to the website and saw that this bullet was rated for a lower velocity than we would normally load a bullet in the 300 HAM'R. What is the velocity of your load? I too am interested in inexpensive "range" bullets.
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I'd like to suggest another "range" bullet, Accura 120SP (https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/308-120-sp/). I had very good luck with those. Ballistically (in 16" 1-13 Ranger) they are identical to 125 TNT. Since they are bonded/plated they should behave like Soft Point and therefore possibly good for hunting in a pinch. If anybody interested: COL 2.21, 25Gr CFEBLK.
I went to the website and saw that this bullet was rated for a lower velocity than we would normally load a bullet in the 300 HAM'R. What is the velocity of your load? I too am interested in inexpensive "range" bullets.
You are correct, they are officially rated for 2100fps but if I remember correctly, I contacted them and they assured me that moderately higher speeds are ok but they wouldn't commit officially, probably due testing being limited to 300BLK speeds. At 25Gr those bullets and 125 TNT fly at 2450fps (which IMHO is not a significant speed increase when compared to official rating) and I see no ballistic deviation inside 100m between the two. Don't forget to adjust COL to 2.21 for Accura 120SP bullets.
I took hog #500 since Jan 1, 2021 last night with the 300 HAM'R shooting a 150gr Hornady SST, 90yd shot, DRT. All but around 20 with the .350 Legend and 2 or 3 with a 7.62x39 I'm testing were with the 300 HAM'R. Also shot a smaller one for #501 YTD.
We've built a few, 1 Howa (I sold this one because I didn't like the mag release, kept dropping the mag), 3 Kimber 84s and a few Ruger Ranch carbines. We still have 50 or so barrels for the Ruger conversions, but just haven't had time to offer this service yet. The Ruger seems be be the best one to convert.
We've built a few, 1 Howa (I sold this one because I didn't like the mag release, kept dropping the mag), 3 Kimber 84s and a few Ruger Ranch carbines. We still have 50 or so barrels for the Ruger conversions, but just haven't had time to offer this service yet. The Ruger seems be be the best one to convert.
Those are awesome. I've been trying to come up with a donor rifle to have one built on. Have you noticed any more accuracy out of the bolt guns than the gas guns?
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I'd like to suggest another "range" bullet, Accura 120SP (https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/308-120-sp/). I had very good luck with those. Ballistically (in 16" 1-13 Ranger) they are identical to 125 TNT. Since they are bonded/plated they should behave like Soft Point and therefore possibly good for hunting in a pinch. If anybody interested: COL 2.21, 25Gr CFEBLK.
Do you shoot suppressed?
I'm not sure I'd be comfortable shooting these suppressed at 15% over max rated velocity in any cans that I cared about.
I don't think you can expect a plated bullet to have terminal performance similar to a soft point without accepting that there is a risk of the plating failing, especially with the velocity exceeding the rated value.
I've seen plated bullets fail several times in this regard. It may be worth considering for people who may be planning to use them while shooting suppressed.
We've built a few, 1 Howa (I sold this one because I didn't like the mag release, kept dropping the mag), 3 Kimber 84s and a few Ruger Ranch carbines. We still have 50 or so barrels for the Ruger conversions, but just haven't had time to offer this service yet. The Ruger seems be be the best one to convert.
Thank you!
Originally Posted by Phil Robertson
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
For what it is worth, I have tried twist rates of 1-12, 1-13, and 1-15. All shot well with various bullets. The Wilson Combat barrels have been the only manufacturer that has given me that "out of the box" satisfaction. However, even though they shot very well out of the box, I have noticed improvement in all of them after 1 to 2 hundred rounds. But when you're talking about the difference between a 1" and a 5/8" group, a lot of the performance can go back to the type of day the shooter is having. After all, put the internet bs behind, and I have to admit that I'm sure these barrels will shoot a lot tighter group than I can on the average day.
Right now twist rates and bullet selection all ends up being what I can get! I plan to order another barrel this week just because I have an urge to build another rifle next month. (You can't have too many!) To date my favorite bullets have been the 125 PH and 130 HC. However, I found myself with 1200 125 TNTs. Someone please save me from having to re-read the entire 67 pages of this thread. Has anyone tested these bullets on hogs or deer?
I think DJ has killed a lot of hogs with the TNT, but they wouldn't be my choice for anything larger than coyotes. They are a great and affordable range bullet though.
I'd like to suggest another "range" bullet, Accura 120SP (https://accuraoutdoors.com/product/308-120-sp/). I had very good luck with those. Ballistically (in 16" 1-13 Ranger) they are identical to 125 TNT. Since they are bonded/plated they should behave like Soft Point and therefore possibly good for hunting in a pinch. If anybody interested: COL 2.21, 25Gr CFEBLK.
Do you shoot suppressed?
I'm not sure I'd be comfortable shooting these suppressed at 15% over max rated velocity in any cans that I cared about.
I don't think you can expect a plated bullet to have terminal performance similar to a soft point without accepting that there is a risk of the plating failing, especially with the velocity exceeding the rated value.
I've seen plated bullets fail several times in this regard. It may be worth considering for people who may be planning to use them while shooting suppressed.
Yes, I shoot suppressed and I've seen no signs of copper failing in the barrel. To the naked eye the suppressor looks just carbonized. Next time I'll be shooting those, I'll check my suppressor with scope bore for signs of copper failing.
That said, since those bluets are bonded-plated and I received green light from the manufacturer (though unofficially), I feel pretty confident I'll be ok. But other shooters will have to decide on their own. Thank you for the idea.
Regarding hunting with those bullets, as I said I'd use them only in a pinch. Luckily, we have a lot of good hunting bullets to choose from ;-)