Range Tested: Federal Premium HammerDown Ammunition

by
posted on September 25, 2020
There are few things more important to a hunter than what sort of ammunition is taken into the field. From what runs best in a particular gun, to ballistic characteristics, to terminal performance, everything plays a factor in the final decision. For a while, lever-action hunters have had to deal with a few compromises, due to their preferred firearm's unique loading system. They are forced to no longer. With the introduction of HammerDown ammunition, by Federal Premium, lever-action hunters have a cartridge designed specifically to maximize their effectiveness in the field.

Federal HammerDown .45-70 Gov't

A line targeted at the full spectrum of lever-action aficionados, HammerDown includes not just traditional rifle calibers, like .45-70 Gov't. and .30-30 Win., but also pistol calibers, like .327 Mag., .357 Mag., .44 Mag. and .45 Colt. To design these cartridges, Federal teamed up with the lever-gun experts over at Henry Repeating arms, to determine the characteristics needed to make a cartridge load, feed and shoot reliably every time.

Federal HammerDown .44 Magnum

Cases are nickel plated to resist corrosion, and have had their case rims chamfered to reduce snags in loading and feeding; bullets are either molecularly bonded soft-points or hollow-points, depending on caliber. These feature reliable expansion and near-total weight retention, for deep and devastating wound channels. While loads for the available rifle calibers tend toward the traditional, HammerDown pistol calibers have been loaded to optimize performance out of a rifle. This means an increase in velocity of 400-to 600-fps, thanks to the longer barrel. Further, heavy-for-caliber bullet weights are used to more efficiently increase terminal performance at these velocities.

Federal Hammerdown Rifle Trio

For more on how these cartridges fared at the range, join Executive Editor Jon Draper in this exclusive video, and for more on the HammerDown line, check out federalpremium.com.

Latest

NRA Club Leadership And Developmentlede
NRA Club Leadership And Developmentlede

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Review: Beretta BRX1

Beretta calls the BRX1 the fastest manually operated repeating platform on the market. Quick barrel, bolt and magazine swaps and adjustable ergonomics make it a distinct alternative to the classic turn-bolt for just about anyone, and ambidextrous controls make the rifle an attractive choice for lefties.

Are Premium Steel Waterfowl Shells Worth the Price?

With prices approaching those of bismuth—a superior shot-making material—are top-tier steel loads worth the cost? Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Pennsylvania Hunters Encouraged to Participate in Hare/Rabbit Studies

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is enlisting the aid of hunters to determine just where snowshoe hares exist on the Pennsylvania landscape, and if they’re still turning all white in winter, as they’ve traditionally done to better blend in with snow and escape predators.

#SundayGunday: Remington Premiere CuT

This week on #SundayGunday, were checking out Remington Premier CuT.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.