First Look: Federal Premium Solid Core Ammo

by
posted on January 30, 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. **
federalpremiumsolidcoreammo_lead.jpg

The hardcast lead bullet has long been relied upon for both hunting purposes and for a self-defense choice; they hold together very well, offering reliable penetration on thick hides and tough bones. But hard cast lead requires wax rings or gas checks which can be messy and difficult, and still there is all that fouling to scrub out of the bore.

Federal has solved that issue, and its new Solid Core line offers a viable choice for your sidearm, for the encounter with dangerous game animals.

Extending its Syntech line of ammunition—which uses a proprietary polymer jacket to greatly reduce fouling in the bore, as well as minimize exposure to lead vapors—Federal’s new Solid Core uses a hard cast bullet fully wrapped in that polymer jacket, with a flat nose for increased energy transfer.

Designed for those requiring a bullet for self-defense against dangerous game animals—problem bears on a stream while fishing comes immediately to mind—Federal has offered the Solid Core in common defensive calibers. Included are 9mm Luger +P (147-grain Solid Core), 357 Magnum (180-grain Solid Core), 40 S&W and 10mm Auto (200-grain Solid Core), 45 ACP +P (240-grain Solid Core) and 44 Remington Magnum (300-grain Solid Core).

The new Solid Core ammo is sold in 20-round boxes loaded in nickel cases, with MSRPs from $28.99 to $39.99. For more information, visit federalpremium.com.

Latest

Long Beard TSS Beauty 2
Long Beard TSS Beauty 2

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.