Can You Shoot 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R

The .300 Blackout and .300 HAM’R cartridges are both AR-15 compatible, .30-caliber cartridges that offer unique performance qualities. But does that mean they’re interchangeable? Can you shoot 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R chambered rifles, and safely too?

Find out whether you should interchange these cartridges and the benefits and risks before you possibly make a mistake.

For similar reading, check out our guide to the best optics for 300 Blackout.

Key Takeaways

• Shooting a .300 Blackout round in a .300 HAM’R chamber may cause issues.
• Understanding the differences between these two cartridges is crucial for safe operation.
• It is not recommended to interchange .300 Blackout and .300 HAM’R cartridges

So: Can You Shoot 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R?

While the 300 Blackout and 300 HAM’R share some similarities that may suggest you can shoot the former in 300 HAM’R, they do have distinct functions.

Yes, they do share magazine compatibility, but it’s risky to swap their ammo due to possible safety hazards and performance issues. Even Wilson Combat, the 300 HAM’R’s creator, discourages its conversion to a 300 Blackout because of the case and chamber design differences.

Now, the case design of the 300 HAM’R is specifically tailored for launching lighter bullets at higher supersonic velocities. In fact, it has a larger case capacity than the 300 Blackout.

In contrast, the 300 Blackout excels at firing heavy bullets at subsonic velocities due to its 1-in-7″ or 1-in-8″ twist rate.

So, while both the 300 Blackout and 300 HAM’R may seem similar enough on the surface, it’s crucial to use the proper caliber-specific bullet and avoid interchanging them. That’ll help ensure safe operation while you get optimal performance.

Why Shoot 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R?

Now, the reason why people would consider shooting 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R is because of the combined benefits they assume they’ll get. Since the 300 Blackout and the 300 HAM’R are both AR-15 compatible, .30-caliber cartridges, it should be fine, right?

Well, no. But let’s look at the possible advantages and why many people came to that conclusion.

The 300 Blackout round offers a larger bullet size and better stopping power than the 5.56 NATO. It’s compatible with standard AR-15 magazines, bolts, and lowers, which makes it an attractive option for shooters who want increased power without drastic firearm modifications.

The 300 HAM’R, though, outdoes both the .223 Remington and 300 Blackout in ballistics. It delivers higher velocities with lighter bullet weights, which means you can engage targets at longer ranges with more precision and effectiveness.

So, it’s no wonder why people might want to interchange them and get the best of both worlds. But as tempting as it may be to swap these cartridges, it’s a potential danger and can damage your firearm.

Downsides of Shooting 300 Blackout in 300 HAM’R

The downside to firing a 300 Blackout in a 300 HAM’R chamber is most definitely the risk of mechanical difficulties and potential accuracy loss.

The 300 Blackout’s shorter length can result in inconsistent bullet seating depth in a 300 HAM’R firearm. This inconsistency can lead to improper bullet-rifling engagement and possible barrel damage.

Now, the 300 HAM’R is designed to surpass the 300 Blackout in terms of energy and velocity, making it a favorite among hunters and target shooters. But using 300 Blackout ammo in a 300 HAM’R rifle may result in suboptimal energy and accuracy performance, taking away the benefits of the superior cartridge.

And given that the 300 HAM’R is engineered to handle higher pressures than the 300 Blackout, firing a 300 Blackout in a 300 HAM’R chamber will yield lower pressures. This may not generate enough force to fully cycle the semi-automatic action, which can cause potential malfunctions.

But these are just the downsides – the possible dangers haven’t been mentioned yet.

“More than safeguarding someone’s life, firearms safeguard the freedom of a people.”

Jair Bolsonaro

Risks of Shooting 300 Blackout Rounds in a 300 HAM’R Rifle

Shooting 300 Blackout ammo in a 300 HAM’R chambered rifle poses significant risks. One prominent risk is elevated chamber pressure.

The mismatched case dimensions of the two cartridges can lead to improper headspace, triggering extremely high pressure levels and possibly damaging the firearm or injuring the shooter.

In fact, it could result in the case expanding to a straight wall or near-straight wall, as well as cause a gas blowback issue.

What’s more, it can cause issues during the reloading process. The differences between these two cartridges can affect feeding reliability and create potential malfunctions. And if you find yourself in a dire situation when this happens, it could be fatal.

All of these downsides and risks show why shooting 300 Blackout rounds in a 300 HAM’R rifle is highly discouraged. You should always purchase and use the correct ammunition for the specific firearm you’re using to ensure safe, accurate, and reliable performance.

How to Shoot 300 Blackout in a 300 HAM’R Rifle

If you still want to try it out after all that’s been said, well, let’s just say the warnings have been given, and now it’s up to you.

The 300 HAM’R and 300 Blackout can be used with the same magazines and hold the same magazine capacities. So, in a practical sense, it’s not very different.

While the 300 Blackout performs well with heavy bullet weights (up to 220 grains), the 300 HAM’R excels with lighter bullets ranging from 110 to 150 grains. This gives the 300 HAM’R an advantage in terms of effective range compared to the 300 Blackout, which is more versatile with subsonic loads and suppressed shooting.

Now, both cartridges utilize various powders like Accurate 1680, CFE BLK, and A1680 for handloading. Powders like H110 can also be used, but it’s essential to stick to the max powder charge specified by the manufacturers to ensure safety and consistency.

However, what’s even better is to stick with the proper ammunition for each caliber to ensure the best performance, safety, and accuracy.

“My focus is that firearms are handled safely and that we can continue to enjoy them here in North America.”

Steve Kanaly

300 HAM’R vs 300 Blackout Rounds

Whether you’re hunting or target shooting, either cartridge can provide a satisfying experience if you have the proper knowledge and preparation.

The .300 Blackout was an impressive innovation about a decade ago and became well-known for its easy conversion from a .22 caliber to a .30 caliber by simply changing the barrel. 

On the other hand, the .300 HAM’R has its roots in the 7.62x40mm Wilson Tactical cartridge and was later developed by Wilson Combat.

One of the key differences between these two cartridges is their handling of bullet weights. The .300 HAM’R is better suited for lighter bullets, which translates to less recoil. Conversely, the .300 Blackout can accommodate heavier bullets and may offer slightly more power.

Both cartridges use the same magazines and round capacity, making them similarly convenient for AR-15 users. However, the .300 HAM’R may require a barrel specific to its configuration to ensure compatibility and performance.

Because the .300 HAM’R can achieve optimal terminal performance by launching lighter bullets with supersonic velocities, it’s popular for deer hunting, hog hunting, and other game animal hunting.

But the 300 Blackout can also be used for these purposes, as well as for target shooting, just at shorter ranges and for smaller game.

To wrap it up, the choice between .300 Blackout and .300 HAM’R boils down to bullet weight preferences and the desired performance. Each cartridge has its unique strengths and caters to different shooting requirements, and that’s what’s so great about them.

For more reading see our write up on what is a .300 BLK.