Wilson Combat Debuts New 7.62×40 WT Cartridge, Barrel, Rifles

[Gunreference1]

Wilson Combat Debuts New 7.62×40 WT Cartridge, Barrel, Rifles

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Robert Farago

Press release:

Available now from Wilson Combat – The 7.62×40 WT (Wilson Tactical) is an all new powerful .30 caliber cartridge solution for the standard AR-15 rifle platform that is inherently accurate, low recoil and only requires one unique part – a new barrel. The 7.62×40 WT works with all other standard pattern 5.56 AR components and is completely reliable with the new Lancer® L5 AWM magazines as modified by Wilson Combat.

Ideal for Hunting and Tactical Use

The wide range of available .30 caliber hunting bullets makes the 7.62×40 WT an ideal choice for hunting of medium to large size game with the downrange ballistic performance only a .30 Caliber projectile can deliver. Experienced shooters will be pleased by the match grade accuracy and terminal effectiveness and energy easily exceeding the 7.62×39 Russian, while novice shooters will appreciate the mild recoil and low report.
Tactical shooters looking for a hard hitting, fast handling, practical .30 Caliber AR-15 service carbine will find the 7.62×40 WT a viable alternative to the 5.56×45 for self defense and law enforcement applications. With 18/19 or 28/29 round capacity using Wilson Combat modified Lancer® L5 AWM 5.56 magazines, maximum firepower is retained.

To read the rest of the story click the link below.

http://thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/04/robert-farago/wilson-combat-introduces-new-7-62x40-wt-cartridge/

Wilson website - http://www.wilsoncombat.com/762x40WT.htm

Steve

[6gunsal]

So it's what, 1 better than 762x39? :D
Is it really going to perform that much better?

[Zoff12]

I like the idea of being able to interchange everything except the barrel but, as we all know, the specs on velocities, kinetic energy, trajectory, etc. reported by the developer are usually a bit "overstated" than what ends up being the actual specs.

Also, I was under the impression that this was already tried in the past... necking up the 5.56 to .30 cal. Am I right? That's what it looks like what they did.

Many jumped on the 6.8SPC bandwagon and it pissed out leaving people with stuff they don't need. The cost of the ammo and parts (over $1000.00 for a replacement upper... c'mon!) and lack of mil-surp is what I believe killed the 6.8. I see the same happening here unless the cost of the ammo can be brought down to a price the average Joe "will" afford.

Essentially... more testing... much more testing needed and affordability.

Thanks for the heads up. It IS worth keeping an eye on, though.

[RJ Shooter]

So it's what, 1 better than 762x39? :D
Is it really going to perform that much better?Because it's a completely new cartridge design that will use all of an AR's existing components (bolt face, magazines, etc...). All that's needed is a .30 barrel.

A 7.62x39mm cartridge requires a lot of parts changes, unique magazines, etc., in order for it to work on the AR platform.

Also, this new cartridge has higher muzzle energy and foot pounds of energy for a comparable weigh bullet, can have heavier weight bullets, and can have many of the custom hunting bullets (ie. Nosler) loaded into the cartridge. Plus, accuracy is "Match Grade" compared to the 7.62 Russian...

[O.S.O.K.]

While I commend the trade for coming up with new ideas and products, there are so many new AR rounds and none seem to be taking off.

I agree with "nathan" who commented on that first link - other offerings that require only a barrel change are much better answers to this.

The best answer needs to rise to the top and the ammo makers get behind it - with inexpensive practice ammo in particular.

[FunkyPertwee]

Its hard to get inexpensive practice ammo with popular calibers, much less new ones.

[RJ Shooter]

Its hard to get inexpensive practice ammo with popular calibers, much less new ones.EXACTLY!!! :(

[L1A1Rocker]

The 7.62 x 40 is not new. There are threads about it's development on quarterbore from several years ago. While it is an interesting cartridge that has potential as a wildcat, I don't see it going any more mainstream than the Whisper line did.

The 300 AAC Blackout (7.62 x 35) came out late last year and is being backed by Remington with commercial ammo. Check it out here: http://300aacblackout.com/

[awp101]

So it's what, 1 better than 762x39?
A silly little millimeter for those of us who remember the old cigarette ads...:lool:

[abpt1]

just like the 5.7 ot the 6.8 and the whole line of WSM / WSSM its a waste of time and money

[arcangel]

A lot of these new calibers sound sweet and look cool, but ammo prices rape any practical use. The firearms I have now I hardly can afford to shoot and they are common cals. I've wanted the 6.5 grendel as a do most round but ammo prices, cost of the upper, and lack of ammo locally changed my mind pretty fast. But its still neat to see companies re inventing and changing it up a bit.

[Flinter]

just like the 5.7 ot the 6.8 and the whole line of WSM / WSSM its a waste of time and money

I remember when all the guns rags said that the short magnums were going to make all other cartridges obsolete.

I'm not very excited about Wilson's new round. You can get an AR in just about any caliber you want now.

[awp101]

You can get an AR in just about any caliber you want now.
6.5x55 or 7x57?:bigsmilebounce:

[raxar]

just like the 5.7 ot the 6.8 and the whole line of WSM / WSSM its a waste of time and money

There is a bit of a market for the WSSM, I talked to a local guy who builds high dollar custom hunting rifles a couple years ago and he said that those are some of his most popular cartridges because guys like the short actions.

[Flinter]

6.5x55 or 7x57?:bigsmilebounce:

Ok, any USEFUL caliber....:roflmao:

[raxar]

Ok, any USEFUL caliber....:roflmao:

6.5x51 carcano, it has a lot of wasted potential...

[awp101]

Hey! Those are two of the most useful calibers in my safe right now! Along with .30-06 and .22LR:wiggle: