SAAMI Accepts .300 HAM'R Cartridge

by
posted on February 11, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
300-hamr-gains-saami-acceptance-f.jpg
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)—the organization that creates industry standards to ensure the safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components—has officially accepted the .300 HAM’R rifle cartridge and published [PDF] its specifications. The cartridge, developed by SIG Sauer, was introduced with a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 57,500 psi with a 125-grain bullet at a velocity 2,450 fps or 130-grain load at 2,425 fps.

Wilson Combat first introduced the cartridge to enthusiasts in 2018, releasing a variety complete ARs and barrels along with ammunition. The company issued a press release last week, thanking, “…Starline Brass of Sedalia, MO, Western Powers of Miles City, MT, and SIG Sauer Ammunition of Jacksonville, AR, for their assistance during development and extra thanks to SIG Sauer Ammunition for submitting the cartridge to SAAMI.”

The .30-caliber cartridge is designed to optimize the performance of 95- to 150-grain bullets and function in the AR-15 platform. Muzzle velocities range from 2,280 fps to 2,770 fps out of a 16-inch barrel, depending bullet weight, while still adhering to the maximum average pressure specification of 57,500 psi.
SAAMI specification drawing showing the dimensions of the 300 HAM'R cartridge.

It is tailored for self-defense, law enforcement and hunting applications and features terminal performance comparable to the .30-30 Win. It has, however, a flatter trajectory than the legendary cartridge, due to the bullet’s higher ballistic coefficient.

Changing an existing AR-15 to digest .300 HAM’R requires only a barrel change and the use of 300 BLK magazines. Starline Brass produces casings for enthusiasts who prefer to reload, although more common .223 Rem. and 5.56 mm NATO casings can also be resized.

A line of factory ammunition is available from Wilson Combat for a variety of purposes. It recently added two new loads to the lineup; one with a 110-grain solid copper Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X bullet, with the other featuring a Wilson Combat/Speer 150-grain HAM’R bonded bullet.

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.