First Impressions of Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off
The Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition promises serious power in a short-action AR platform. This round is designed for those needing significant stopping power out of an AR-15, bridging the gap between intermediate cartridges and larger bore rifles. I’ve spent years experimenting with various AR calibers, always searching for that optimal balance of manageable recoil and terminal performance, and the .375 SOCOM has always intrigued me.
My quest for the perfect hog hunting cartridge led me to this ammunition. I needed something that could reliably put down tough game with a single shot, even with less-than-perfect shot placement in dense brush. I was also interested in its potential for shorter-range, big-game applications.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the brass. The rounds felt substantial and well-made, instilling confidence in their consistency and reliability. The hard cast semi-spitzer soft point bullet looked like it meant business, designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion.
I considered other large-bore AR cartridges like the .450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM. However, I opted for the .375 SOCOM due to its flatter trajectory and slightly higher velocity with similar bullet weights, offering a potentially better balance of range and power. My initial excitement was high, tempered by the awareness that performance on paper doesn’t always translate to real-world results.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM at a private range nestled in the Texas Hill Country. I was shooting from a bench rest at distances ranging from 50 to 150 yards to gauge accuracy and handling characteristics. The weather was typical for a Texas summer: hot and humid, with a slight crosswind.
The recoil was more significant than a standard 5.56 NATO round, but surprisingly manageable for a large-bore cartridge. It was more of a firm push than a sharp jolt, making follow-up shots relatively easy to control. I did experience a few initial feeding issues with my standard AR magazine, which required some adjustment, but this was quickly resolved by using a dedicated single-stack magazine designed for the .375 SOCOM cartridge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a hog hunt, the Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM has proven to be consistently accurate and reliable. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through my rifle without any further malfunctions. The brass cases ejected cleanly, and primer strikes were consistently solid.
The ammunition shows no signs of significant wear and tear after being stored in a dry environment. Cleaning the rifle after using this ammunition is no different than cleaning it after shooting any other centerfire cartridge. It consistently outperforms my expectations for a large-bore AR cartridge, offering a flat trajectory out to 200 yards and significant terminal performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off
Specifications
The Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition boasts several key specifications. It fires a 235-grain semi-spitzer soft point bullet, designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion. The cartridge is chambered in .375 SOCOM, a powerful round optimized for AR-15 platforms.
Each round is loaded into a high-quality brass case for reliable feeding and extraction. The ammunition uses a centerfire primer for consistent ignition. The manufacturer, Wilson Combat, is known for its commitment to quality and precision. The ammunition comes in boxes of 20 rounds. These specifications matter because they directly impact the ammunition’s accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance on game.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM performs admirably in its intended role. The 235-grain hard cast bullet delivers exceptional accuracy, easily achieving sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with my rifle. The ammunition is highly reliable, with consistent velocities and clean burning powder.
Its major strength lies in its impressive stopping power on medium to large game. The only minor weakness I’ve observed is the slightly higher recoil compared to smaller caliber rounds, requiring a stable shooting platform and proper technique. It absolutely meets my expectations for a hunting cartridge, providing a significant advantage over smaller rounds in terms of terminal performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and practical. The brass casing ensures smooth feeding and extraction in AR-15 platforms. The semi-spitzer soft point bullet is shaped for optimal aerodynamics and penetration.
The ammunition is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special handling or storage considerations beyond standard ammunition safety protocols. There is a minor learning curve associated with managing the increased recoil.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is highly durable when stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass cases are reloadable, extending the life of the ammunition. Cleaning the rifle after firing this ammunition is no different than with any other centerfire cartridge.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition is compatible with any AR-15 platform chambered in .375 SOCOM. While it doesn’t require specific accessories, using a dedicated single-stack .375 SOCOM magazine can significantly improve feeding reliability. Optics like red dots or low-power variable optics (LPVOs) can enhance accuracy at longer ranges.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off
Pros
- Delivers exceptional stopping power on medium to large game.
- Offers excellent accuracy, achieving sub-MOA groups in many rifles.
- Uses high-quality brass cases for reliable feeding and extraction.
- Provides a flatter trajectory than other large-bore AR cartridges.
- Manufactured by Wilson Combat, ensuring high quality control.
Cons
- The Recoil is greater than smaller caliber AR cartridges.
- The Ammunition is more expensive than common rounds like 5.56 NATO.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking a powerful and accurate cartridge for taking down medium to large game within 200 yards. It is also well-suited for individuals who want a hard-hitting round for personal defense in areas where over-penetration is not a primary concern. Those who own an AR-15 and desire increased terminal performance without transitioning to a larger rifle platform will benefit from this ammo.
This product may not be ideal for novice shooters due to the increased recoil. Shooters primarily focused on long-range target shooting may find other calibers better suited for their needs. Individuals on a tight budget may find the cost of the ammunition prohibitive.
A must-have accessory is a dedicated .375 SOCOM magazine to ensure reliable feeding. Adding a muzzle brake can help mitigate the recoil.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition A375-235-HC-20RD 21% Off
The Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM 235 Grain Hard Cast Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition delivers on its promise of potent performance in an AR platform. The price is justified by the high quality components and impressive terminal ballistics. I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to experienced shooters seeking a reliable and powerful option for hunting or personal defense.
If you’re ready to step up your AR’s stopping power, give the Wilson Combat Speer .375 SOCOM a try. You won’t be disappointed!