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Underwood Ammo
Underwood Ammo 465 Ballistic Tip Hunting Ballistic Tip Boat Tail 300 Grain .458 HAM'R
$64.08 - $546.00 -
Underwood Ammo
Underwood Ammo 463 Xtreme Penetrator COPPER SOLID Monolithic 302 Grain .458 HAM'R
$97.86 - $377.90
.458 HAM'R Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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: 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 options to suit their specific needs. The cartridge's relatively low recoil for its power level makes it manageable in properly designed firearms, allowing for quick follow-up shots when necessary.
Timeline of .458 HAM'R Development:
.458 HAM'R Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .458 HAM'R cartridge:
Characteristic | Performance |
---|---|
Bullet Weight | 300-350 grains Optimal weight range for balancing velocity and energy |
Muzzle Velocity | 2,100-2,200 fps (300-grain bullet) From a 18-inch barrel |
Muzzle Energy | 3,000-3,200 ft-lbs Comparable to .45-70 Government loads |
Maximum Pressure | 46,000 PSI Higher than .458 SOCOM, allowing for increased performance |
Effective Range | 200-250 yards For ethical hunting of large game |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .458 HAM'R loads.
.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 |
---|---|---|
Big Game Hunting | 0-250 | Excellent for large, dangerous game at close to medium ranges |
Tactical/Self-Defense | 0-100 | High stopping power, suitable for close-quarters engagements |
Target Shooting | 0-200 | Powerful recoil limits long-range accuracy for most shooters |
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. 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:
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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .458 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .458 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .458 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .458 HAM'R with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.