Understanding the Origins
The 7.62×39
The 7.62×39, a cartridge born from the crucible of the Cold War, emerged as the standard intermediate cartridge for the Soviet Union’s AK-47 rifle. Its design focused on a balance of power, reliability, and ease of manufacture, features crucial for a weapon intended for mass production and widespread use. This cartridge quickly gained global prominence, finding its way into countless military and civilian rifles around the world. Its impact on the 20th century is undeniable. The rifle it feeds, the AK-47, is perhaps the most ubiquitous firearm on Earth, a testament to the 7.62×39’s enduring popularity.
The 300 HAM’R
Contrast this with the 300 HAM’R. While the 7.62×39 can boast a long and storied past, the 300 HAM’R is a more recent creation. Developed by Wilson Combat, it represents a dedicated effort to optimize performance within the confines of the AR-15 platform. Designed to offer improved ballistics compared to the commonly-used 300 Blackout, the 300 HAM’R focuses on maximizing energy transfer at close to medium ranges, offering shooters a potent option in a platform known for modularity and customization. The 300 HAM’R quickly gained recognition among hunters and sport shooters. Its appeal lies in its versatility, allowing for a wide range of bullet weights and applications, especially within the context of the AR-15.
Comparing Ballistics
Bullet Selection and Weight
When it comes to selecting the proper projectile, the 7.62×39 typically utilizes bullets weighing between approximately one hundred and twenty-three to one hundred and fifty grains. These bullet weights strike a balance between penetration and stopping power, making the round suitable for a variety of tasks.
The 300 HAM’R, on the other hand, provides a more expansive range, with bullet weights ranging from approximately one hundred and ten grains all the way up to two hundred and twenty grains. The cartridge’s design enables a wider array of possibilities, allowing shooters to select the optimal projectile for specific purposes, such as hunting lighter game at higher velocities, or using heavier bullets for increased penetration.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
The 7.62×39, when firing a one hundred and twenty-three-grain bullet, often exhibits a muzzle velocity in the range of roughly two thousand three hundred to two thousand four hundred feet per second. This velocity provides sufficient power for many applications.
The 300 HAM’R, however, can reach a similar velocity with bullets in the one hundred and twenty-five-grain range, and it often exhibits higher muzzle velocities with lighter projectiles. Some testing has yielded results of up to two thousand four hundred and fifty feet per second or even higher. This increase in speed provides the 300 HAM’R with an edge, particularly when engaging targets at longer distances. The higher velocity translates into flatter trajectories and increased energy on impact, potentially leading to better terminal performance.
Trajectory
Due to the 7.62×39’s relatively slower velocity, it typically experiences a more pronounced bullet drop over distance compared to the 300 HAM’R. This means that shooters must account for a more significant drop at longer ranges to ensure accurate shots.
The 300 HAM’R, owing to its higher velocities, generally exhibits a flatter trajectory, particularly with lighter bullets. This makes it easier to achieve accurate shots at medium ranges without needing to make large adjustments for bullet drop.
Effective Range
The 7.62×39, due to its trajectory and energy retention, excels at shorter to medium ranges. Its practical effective range for hunting larger game is typically considered to be around three hundred yards or slightly more.
The 300 HAM’R, with its flatter trajectory and higher retained energy at various distances, can offer a longer effective range. Its range capabilities are largely dependent on the bullet selected, but shooters might find the effective range to be slightly beyond that of the 7.62×39, extending to approximately four hundred yards in some cases. This gives the 300 HAM’R an advantage in many shooting scenarios.
Sectional Density and Ballistic Coefficient
Finally, we can briefly discuss sectional density and ballistic coefficient. While it’s impossible to provide a definitive rating for these concepts here, it’s important to recognize how they affect bullet performance in the air. Sectional density is a measure of a bullet’s mass relative to its diameter. A higher sectional density typically contributes to better penetration. The ballistic coefficient, on the other hand, measures how well a bullet resists air resistance. A higher ballistic coefficient means that a bullet loses velocity at a slower rate, thus retaining more energy. In general, the 300 HAM’R, with its modern design and a wider variety of bullet options, can often offer a slight advantage in terms of ballistic coefficients, particularly with the heavier projectiles. However, the specific values depend largely on bullet selection in both cases.
Performance and Terminal Ballistics
Penetration
The 7.62×39, with its typical bullet construction and weight, is generally known for good penetration, especially when using full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets. This makes it an effective choice against barriers or tough-skinned game.
The 300 HAM’R, with its broader range of bullet types, can deliver varying degrees of penetration. The proper selection of bullet weight and construction are essential for optimal performance.
Expansion and Fragmentation
The 7.62×39, if using expanding bullets, will provide a suitable amount of expansion and fragmentation. This creates a significant wound channel and is generally effective at stopping targets.
The 300 HAM’R is designed to offer controlled expansion and fragmentation, and it is best when used with projectiles specifically designed for hunting or self-defense.
Wound Cavity and Stopping Power
The 7.62×39, by virtue of its significant energy transfer and good penetration, is generally considered to possess excellent stopping power. This makes it a solid choice for self-defense or hunting purposes.
The 300 HAM’R, using proper bullets, can also deliver good stopping power. The specific results are, again, contingent on bullet selection.
Hunting Performance
The 7.62×39 can be an excellent choice for medium-sized game, such as deer and wild boar, within its effective range. Its proven performance and widespread availability of ammunition make it a practical and affordable choice for many hunters.
The 300 HAM’R is also well-suited for hunting medium-sized game, and it can be used with heavier bullets for larger game. The 300 HAM’R’s flatter trajectory gives it an advantage when shooting over longer distances, giving hunters an opportunity to engage targets at distances not always accessible with the 7.62×39. Hunters should, of course, always adhere to local regulations regarding hunting game.
Rifle Platforms and Availability
Rifle Availability
The 7.62×39 has the advantage of existing on a wide array of rifles. The most prominent examples include the AK-47 and its many variants, along with the SKS. These rifles are often affordable, simple to maintain, and widely available across the globe.
The 300 HAM’R, on the other hand, is predominantly found on the AR-15 platform. The modularity and adaptability of the AR-15 make it a very attractive choice for shooters.
Rifle Costs
The 7.62×39 rifles are often budget-friendly. The AK-47 and SKS are frequently available at affordable prices, making them a good choice for first-time gun owners or those looking for an inexpensive option.
Rifles chambered for the 300 HAM’R generally are more expensive, but their prices are coming down as the cartridge gains popularity.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
The 7.62×39, due to its widespread use, has excellent ammunition availability. The ammunition is also generally inexpensive, making it an economical choice for target practice, hunting, and self-defense.
The 300 HAM’R, while becoming more accessible, generally features less widespread availability and higher ammunition costs. However, these costs are coming down as the popularity of the cartridge increases.
Advantages and Disadvantages: A Detailed Comparison
300 HAM’R
The 300 HAM’R has a distinct set of advantages:
- Higher velocities offer better trajectories, allowing for more accurate shots at longer distances, depending on the ammunition used.
- The cartridge is typically optimized for modern performance within the AR-15 platform.
- The AR-15 platform offers versatility and customization options, including the ability to quickly swap calibers.
However, the 300 HAM’R also comes with a set of disadvantages:
- Ammunition can be more expensive and sometimes harder to find.
- The rifle platforms are more costly.
- Penetration can be inconsistent depending on the selected bullet, particularly if a lighter projectile is used.
7.62×39
The 7.62×39, on the other hand, has its own set of benefits:
- The cartridge is readily available, with a wide selection of rifles, allowing for varied price points.
- Ammunition is affordable and can be obtained in most parts of the world.
- The cartridge delivers good penetration for certain projectiles.
Despite these advantages, the 7.62×39 faces certain challenges:
- The cartridge’s trajectory is not as optimal for longer distances, as the 300 HAM’R.
- The 7.62×39 is not as adaptable to the AR-15 platform.
- Its performance is sometimes limited at higher speeds.
Practical Considerations for Your Use
The 300 HAM’R is a versatile option that is suitable for close to medium range hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. The combination of velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance makes it a viable option.
The 7.62×39, by contrast, is a solid general-purpose cartridge suitable for various applications. It is an affordable option, suitable for plinking, defensive applications, and hunting.
Reloading options for both cartridges are available, though the 7.62×39 often has a more abundant selection of components. The 300 HAM’R may require specific dies or adjustments.
Legal considerations are also important, and it is the responsibility of the shooter to be aware of all federal, state, and local laws.
Conclusion: Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the better choice of cartridge depends on individual needs and priorities. Both the 300 HAM’R and the 7.62×39 have their rightful place in the world of firearms. The 7.62×39 boasts the advantages of an established history, affordability, and widespread availability. The 300 HAM’R delivers modern performance, optimized trajectories, and the customization offered by the AR-15 platform.
If you value medium-range precision and flexibility in an AR-15 platform, the 300 HAM’R could be a better option. However, if you prioritize affordability, reliability, and access to a broad selection of rifles, the 7.62×39 might be the better choice.
It’s up to the shooter to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider his or her specific requirements. The best way to decide is to consider the shooting environment, the intended game, and the overall shooting needs.
The landscape of rifle cartridges offers many possibilities. Whether you choose the 300 HAM’R or the 7.62×39, remember to prioritize safety, practice, and responsible gun ownership. Both cartridges have earned their place in the shooting community.
