SHOT 2020: Federal's HammerDown Lever-Gun Ammo

by
posted on January 21, 2020
stop-hammertime2.jpg

The 2020 SHOT Show Industry Day At The Range Event is the biggest event of the calendar year for any firearms professional. Here, industry professionals try out products literally just minutes after they are released to the public. Ammunition giant Federal Premium has always released some big products at this time, and this year was no different with the introduction of their HammerDown line.

These rounds have been created in conjunction with Henry Repeating Arms and represent the latest iteration of lever gun food. As I stuffed the tube of the lever-action rifle, product line manager Eric Miller explained that their introductory offerings will include .327 Federal Magnum, .357 Magnum, .44 Rem. Mag, .45 Colt, .30-30 Win and even the thunderous .45-70 Gov’t. Each round is built with a nickel case for smooth feeding and easy visualization in the low light scenarios that accompany hunting. Powder charges are also better suited for the typical carbine-length barrels that most lever guns wear. This includes the .327 Federal Magnum, .357 Magnum and .44 Rem. Mag., as these are typically loaded for pistols.

While I was loading I noticed the chambered case rim, and for a good reason: They didn’t get stuck against the side gate of the rifle like typical ammunition usually does. After leveling the barrel of the Henry side gate lever action, I fired a string of the new .30-30 ammunition at the 25-yard targets...connecting on every one. I found the rounds produced a moderate amount of recoil for this cartridge, ensuring adequate power for an ethical harvest. Walking away I thanked Eric for his time and dedication to yet another excellent product from Federal Premium.

Visit Federalpremium.com for more information.

Latest

Nraam 2025 Logo
Nraam 2025 Logo

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

GLOCK, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th.

3 Welcome Surprises of Concealed Carry

What the author thought were invisible hurdles to CCW turned out to be welcome surprises ... you may find the same!

Video How-To: Choose the Best Ammunition for Your Gun

It's a bit more complicated than just checking the markings on your gun's barrel. We explain!

Throwback Thursday: Counting Coup (How "Brave" Are You?)

What did American Plains tribes believe brought more pride and honor: ending an enemy, or just humiliating him?

NRA Lauds VA Governor Youngkin for Vetoing Two Dozen Anti-2A Bills

The bills vetoed by Governor Youngkin came from the long wish list of radical gun control activists.

New Gear 2025: Versacarry Crusader OWB Holster

This outside-the-waistband holster is crafted of buffalo leather and available in two style options.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.