2019 Editor’s Choice Award – Wilson Combat Protector 300 HAM’R

The most-versatile AR-15 chambering in existence?

The 300 HAM’R, (far left 3 cartridges) shown alongside the cartridges is was designed to outperform, (from left to right: .300 BLK, 7.62x39mm, 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel) provides near-.308 Win. performance in a standard AR-15 platform. Along with loaded ammo, Wilson Combat also offers everything the handloader needs to roll their own, including un-primed brass and dies.

Designed to be the most versatile AR15 cartridge available today, the 300 HAMR was purpose built starting where the 300 BLK begins to fade…at range. Extending the 300 BLK case improved accuracy and consistency using proven .308 bullets. Increased capacity and Hodgdon’s new CFE BLK powder bumped velocity as much as 200 f.p.s. with less pressure. Utilizing a 1:15” rifling twist rate optimized it for longer range consistency using bullets from 110 to 150 grains. Since being introduced it has taken numerous hogs, predators, even a 600+ pound elk doing exactly what it was designed to do. I have produced consistent sub-MOA accuracy out to 400 yards with barrel lengths from 11.5 to 18 inches from several rifles. This cartridge is not just marketing hype.

Wilson Combat 300 HAM’R

The carbine version of the 300 HAM’R Protector Series is fitted with a 16.25-inch stainless-steel/match-grade barrel with a mid-length gas system and 1:15” twist rate, tipped with Wilson’s Q-Comp combination flash hider/muzzle brake. Shrouding the barrel is a slim and very lightweight M-LOK compatible forend.

The only changes required to convert an AR-15 rifle to .300 HAM’R are a barrel and magazine, making it an easy swap. Everything else is standard AR-15, including the bolt, bolt carrier and buffer system. It will work in a pinch with a 5.56mm GI magazine, but is designed to use 300 BLK magazines. Wilson Combat offers several rifles and pistols, along with complete upper receivers and barrels from 8 to 20 inches. One of the first to test this caliber, I have extensive time on both the 11.3-inch pistol and 16.2-inch rifles.

Wilson Combat Protector Series

Mil-Spec/forged upper and lower receivers contain an upgraded bolt-carrier group, Mil-Spec safety and bolt catch and Wilson Combat’s excellent M2 two-stage TTU trigger group, factory set for a crisp 4-pound pull. Topping this ultra-versatile carbine is an equally versatile and durable optic—the Nightforce ATACR 1-8×24 F1 riflescope, mounted in a 34mm Nightforce X-Treme Duty Ultralight Unimount.

The new Protector Series rifles are available in numerous calibers and purpose built as defense or self- and home-protection rifles. Starting with their forged upper and lower receivers the barrel is stainless steel, match grade, and button rifled. Capped with a WC Q-Comp, it is threaded 5/8” x 24 tpi to accommodate suppressors or other muzzle devices. The 16-inch 300 HAM’R tested here uses a mid-length gas system to provide smooth and cool operation with less recoil. Bolt carriers exceed mil-spec and include a Carpenter 158 Magnetic Particle Inspected bolt, one piece gas ring and chrome-silicon extractor and ejector springs. The handguard is slim and very lightweight, using M-LOK compatible slots for accessories. The trigger is Wilson Combat’s M2 2-stage TTU module set to a crisp, repeatable, and proven reliable 4.5-5 pounds. The grip is a BCM with Wilson Combat’s Starburst texturing, while the stock is an adjustable Wilson Rogers Super-Stock, keeping things very lightweight. Every Wilson Combat rifle tested has been among the lightest you can get, even compared to some using more exotic materials. My test rifle weighed in at only 6 pounds 3 ounces. Shipped in a custom nylon case, it includes one 30 round D&H 300 BLK magazine.

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