Wilson Combat’s NULA Model 20S Mini Action in .300 HAM’R

By
On Target Staff
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Wilson Combat’s NULA Model 20S Mini Action in .300 HAM’R

By: Chris Mudgett

Lightweight precision, purpose-driven power

At first glance, the Wilson Combat NULA Model 20S looks to be something born from a high-country sheep hunt — svelte, simple, and unapologetically minimalist. But, look closer, and it becomes clear this isn’t just another so-called mountain rifle. It’s the evolution of what a purpose-built, lightweight bolt-action can be — especially when chambered in one of the most underrated cartridges of the past decade: the .300 HAM’R.

The NULA (New Ultralight Arms) platform isn’t new — Melvin Forbes introduced the original concept decades ago, and Wilson Combat acquired the company with the intent of bringing Forbes’ vision into the modern era. That vision? Bolt guns that weigh less than five pounds without compromising strength, accuracy, or field utility. The Model 20S builds on that foundation with select upgrades that elevate it from a capable rifle to an exceptional one.

Weighing in at just 4 pounds, 12 ounces (without glass), the 20S is built around a precision-machined short-action steel receiver with a .473 bolt face and three-lug bolt that offers a short 60-degree throw. The Timney Elite Hunter trigger is a standout — crisp, consistent, and factory set for a 2.75 to 3.25-pound pull weight. Up front, the match-grade, 16-inch barrel not only keeps weight down but maintains the kind of accuracy you’d expect from a much heavier rig. The barreled action is nestled in a lightweight, hand-laid carbon fiber stock. And then there’s the chambering.

The 20S Mini Action — optimized for the .223 Wylde, 300 BLK, 300 HAM’R, and 350 Legend cartridge lengths — is EDM cut from 4140 steel, and features a PVD coated three-lug bolt with a short 60-degree throw and TRAK pattern bolt knob, stainless-steel springs, and the outstanding Timney Elite Hunter trigger set for a 2.75 to 3.25-pound pull weight.

Why .300 HAMR?

It’s easy to be dismissive of another .30-caliber cartridge — especially one that fits in a standard AR-15 magazine and shares visual DNA with the .300 BLK. But that’s where the comparisons end. The .300 HAM’R is not a subsonic specialist; it’s a supersonic hammer built for terminal effect. Other available 20S chamberings include .223 Wylde, 300 BLK, and 350 Legend.

Bill Wilson created the HAM’R to wring out every ounce of ballistic performance from the AR-15’s architecture. By lengthening the case slightly beyond 7.62x40WT dimensions and optimizing it for 110- to 150-grain projectiles, the .300 HAM’R achieves velocities and energy on target that approach .308 Winchester performance — all while feeding from standard 5.56 mags.

In real-world terms, that means a 125-grain projectile at 2,450 fps out of an 18-inch barrel. Even from the NULA’s compact 16-inch pipe on our test rifle, you’re getting 2,300+ fps with minimal loss in energy, excellent terminal performance, and predictable recoil.

The 20S is available with either a 16 (tested) or 18-inch light-contour 416R stainless-steel barrel that’s been double stress relieved, honed, and button rifled. The shorter barrel lengths still offer excellent 300 HAM’R ballistics and create a handy overall package size when using a suppressor. Wilson Combat’s new lightweight Silent Bandit suppressor, available in short and long (tested) variations, is shown here, attached via the company’s QUELL K-Mount muzzle device.

Compare that to the .300 BLK, which tops out around 2,200 fps with the same projectile weight, and this cartridge is pushing the limits. The HAM’R delivers an average of 300-400 ft-lbs more energy than its blackout cousin, giving it a definitive edge on game, especially beyond 100 yards.

But the real magic is in the hunting application. If you’ve ever wanted a compact, lightweight rig that delivers 30-caliber performance without the recoil, weight, or overkill of traditional bolt guns, the .300 HAM’R bridges that gap nicely. The HAM’R shines on deer, hogs, coyotes — essentially anything under 300 pounds inside 250 yards. And with loads from Wilson Combat and Lehigh Defense optimized for both expansion and penetration, you’re not just launching pills — you’re placing them with purpose.

The 20S holds five rounds in its aluminum hinged-floorplate magazine — released via a latch within the trigger guard — plus one in the chamber. In a nutshell, the 300 HAM’R, which is offered in a multitude of grain weights and bullet styles, was designed to provide superior terminal performance compared to other like-size cartridges, including 300 BLK, 6,5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, and 7.62x39mm

Another often-overlooked benefit: the HAM’R’s ability to competently run suppressed. Its modest case capacity and efficient powder burn keep muzzle blast tame, especially with a lightweight can up front like Wilson Combat’s new Silent Bandit. 300 HAM’R is not quiet in the subsonic sense, but it is civilized — particularly when paired with a bolt-action platform like the 20S.

And, because the .300 HAM’R isn’t a barrel burner, you’re not chewing through your bore life every time you head to the range. It’s accurate, repeatable, and inherently stable across a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

The optic used for testing was Trijicon’s (www.trijicon.com) light and rugged 2-10x36mm Credo, mounted in a set of aluminum Talley rings. The barreled action is treated to a highly weather-resistant black Armor-Tuff coating

The Ultralight Advantage

The NULA 20S Mini Action isn’t just a gun you can carry far — it’s a gun you can actually shoot well once you get there. A true sub-five-pound rifle that holds MOA or better is a rare thing. Even rarer is one that doesn’t beat you up when it goes bang. That’s the genius of the design. The barrel profile and overall balance make for a rifle that feels more like an extension of your hand than a separate object.

With the 20S, field carry is a dream. Throw a lightweight 1-8x or 2-10x scope in low rings, and the package still weighs under 6.5 pounds, ready to hunt. Whether you’re climbing into a tree stand, tracking through hardwoods, or hiking western ridgelines, the NULA doesn’t slow you down — or leave you undergunned.

Another high note: the magazine system. The 20S uses a nearly flush-mounted five-round hinged-floorplate magazine that locks in with a satisfying click and feeds with absolute reliability. You’re not running and gunning with this rig, but fast follow-ups are there if you need them.

Contributing in no small way to the rifle’s sub-five-pound weight is the lightweight AG Composites carbon-fiber stock, equipped with a one-inch Pachmayr Decelerator butt pad and sling swivel studs front and rear. The stock is available in three different finishes: Charcoal Grey (tested), Canyon Rogue camo, and Kodiak Rogue camo.

Real-World Utility

During testing, the NULA 20S proved surprisingly easy to shoot well from compromised positions. Sitting, kneeling, even off-hand — it’s light enough to maneuver but stable enough to hold on target. That’s not a combination you get with many bolt guns, especially in calibers that matter.

The NULA 20S had zero issues holding up to Wilson Combat’s one MOA precision guarantee from the 100-yard line. Sub-3/4 MOA groups came with relative ease, and our best performance came with the Lehigh Defense 115-grain, printing this three-shot group (yes, that’s three shots) that measured just a hair over 1/2 MOA.

From a bench, I was able to consistently print sub-3/4 MOA groups at 100 yards with Lehigh Defense 115-grain, with a best three-shot group a hair over 1/2 MOA. But it’s in the field where this platform truly earns its keep. Hits on steel out to 300 yards came easily with minimal wind correction, and I’d have no hesitation sending this rifle into a dense whitetail woodlot or a South Texas Sendero.

With a short, handy sub-five-pound package, your ability to maneuver into unconventional shooting positions is made all that much easier. And, with the light felt recoil of the 300 HAM’R cartridge, you’re not paying the price when it comes time to pull the trigger. If you’re able to swing the MSRP, which is fair and reasonable considering the rifle’s capabilities, the NULA 20S in 300 HAM’R will likely be the perfect rifle for a very large number of hunters.

Final Thoughts

The Wilson Combat NULA 20S Mini Action in .300 HAM’R isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a precision tool designed for hunters and shooters who want the performance of a .30-caliber projectile in a compact, featherweight platform. It’s for those who understand the balance between portability and power, who want more than a rimfire trainer but less than a magnum thumper. Paired with the .300 HAM’R, the NULA 20S is a backcountry bruiser in a gentleman’s chassis. It’s fast, light, accurate, and unapologetically capable. See the NULA 20S lineup at your nearest Wilson Combat dealer, or for more information, contact Wilson Combat; Tel.: (870) 545-3618; Web: www.wilsoncombat.com

Specifications:

Caliber: 300 HAM’R

Action Type: Bolt action

Barrel: 16-inch 416R stainless steel

Rifling: 1:15 rate of twist

Finish: Black Armor-Tuff

Stock: Carbon fiber

Stock Finish: Charcoal grey

Magazine capacity: 5+1

Sights: None

Trigger: Timney Elite Hunter.

Overall Length: 35 inches

Weight: 4 pounds, 12 ounces

MSRP: $2,995

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