New for 2020: Federal Premium HammerDown Ammo

by
posted on January 26, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
federalhammerdownammo_lead.jpg

Federal has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to introduce a new line of lever-action ammunition for 2020: HammerDown. Designed to cycle effortlessly through tubular-magazine rifles, Federal’s HammerDown uses nickel-plated cases, which have been chamfered to reduce any drag or snags when being cycled in common lever-action rifles.

If you’ve ever had a lever gun which gave you a hard time with certain brands of ammunition, you know exactly what I mean; my Winchester 94AE would feed one particular brand of ammunition very poorly, and would require much more force than others.

Federal has chosen the two most popular rimmed cartridges for lever-action rifles—the .30-30 Winchester and the .45-70 Government—as well as a quartet of pistol cartridges closely associated with the lever action rifles, including the .327 Federal, .357 Magnum, .44 Remington Magnum and .45 Colt. The bullet weight and velocity has been specially chosen to give the optimum performance from a rifle-length barrel, and the bonded bullets are completely safe to use in a tubular magazine. The pistol cartridges have an enhanced velocity for use in longer barrels.

There is a definite resurgence of the lever-action rifles as of late—even with all the fantastic bolt-action designs, capable of unprecedented accuracy at unheard of distances—and it seems that technology and changing times simply won’t replace the experience of hunting with a good lever gun. With bullet geometry designed for the optimum weight retention and expansion, Federal’s HammerDown will certainly help keep the tradition of hunting with a lever-action alive for years to come.

Available in 20-round boxes in the following offerings:
• .357 Magnum, 170-grain | MSRP: $19.99
• .327 Federal, 127-grain | MSRP:  $23.99
• .44 Rem. Mag., 270-grain | MSRP: $19.99
• .45 Colt, 250-grain | MSRP: $21.99
• .30-30 Win., 150-grain | MSRP: $22.99
• .45-70 Govt., 300-grain | MSRP: $43.99

For more information, visit federalpremium.com.

Latest

Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1
Norma American Professional Hunter 308 Norma Magnum 180Gr Oryx Rifle Ammo 20 Rounds 1439756 1

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Is Wildcatting Right for You?

Dennis Bradley explores the potential benefits of going with a wildcat cartridge, using the .375 Raptor as a case study.

New for 2026: The Chiappa M1-22 Bushranger

Chiappa Firearms expands its rimfire lineup with the introduction of the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rifle built to bridge familiar sporting ergonomics with modern accessory capability. The Bushranger is intended for recreational shooting, skill development and range use, but could also excel in the hands of any small game or varmint hunter.

Savage Updates 212 and 220 Slug Guns

Savage Arms has upgraded its 212/220 Harvester and Harvester Woodland slug guns. These models now feature the AccuFit V2 stock system, providing shooters with all sorts of customizable options.

Science Behind Mountain Lion Management and Hunting

Across North America, agencies responsible for the conservation and management of native mammals, including large carnivores, employ science-based tools to manage wildlife populations. It’s a delicate balance too often compromised by emotion at the ballot box.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.