A Kris Boyd double and a late strike by Nacho Novo put Rangers back on top of the SPL - at least temporarily - but the result was certainly harsh on the Lanarkshire side.
Hamilton started well and after Simon Mensing had rattled Allan McGregor's crossbar with a header from Alex Neil's corner, the hosts took the lead.
Again Neil was involved as he swung an inviting free-kick over from the left flank and Brian Easton peeled off at the back post before powerfully heading home despite the efforts of Madjid Bougherra on the line.
Accies created another great chance on 32 minutes when James McCarthy mugged Kevin Thomson on the right and the loose ball was picked up by Trent McClenahan, but the Australian's cross was inches too far ahead of Lucas Akins.
Rangers grabbed the equaliser from the spot on 42 minutes after McClenahan was penalised for a clumsy foul as Kenny Miller darted into the box.
Referee Dougie McDonald pointed to the spot and Boyd clinically drilled home in front of the travelling fans.
Hamilton tried to regain their lead early in the first half but, when McClenahan was caught in possession, Rangers quickly swept up field.
Kirk Broadfoot released Steven Davis on the right and his cross was headed home by Boyd for his sixth of the season after 50 minutes.
Accies seemed to wilt that and Rangers went close again when Miller found space on the right but his driven cross was inches ahead of Boyd.
Keeper Tomas Cerny was then forced into a full-length save to deny Miller on 76 minutes.
However, when Martin Canning was caught in possession with ten minutes remaining it was all the invitation sub Novo needed and he drew Cerny before clinically finishing from 16 yards.
These sides have it all to do again in Tuesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, and while Accies can take some heart from their performance, they will need to find a finisher to trouble their hosts.