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

Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal
Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal

Conservation Group Launches Fundraiser Following Brutal Rhino Poaching

At the end of April, poachers broke into the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe in search of rhinoceros horn—an incredibly valuable commodity on the international market. The poachers brutally shot and killed a tame 22-year-old black rhino male called Gomo and, with axe in tow, massacred its head and face and seized its horns.

Maine Game Warden and Working Canine Locate Missing Toddler

Our license fees, tag purchases and conservation stamp funds pay most of the bills for managing wildlife and enforcing regulations. In some cases, it also locates lost toddlers and saves innocent lives.

New for 2025: Proof Research Tundra Ti X

The lightweight precision rifle for long-range hunters blends tactical adjustability with a classic Monte-Carlo design and cutting-edge titanium action.

Review: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

The Barnes Harvest Collection offers hunters incredible precision and stopping power through Barnes’ renowned terminal performance and Sierra’s acclaimed accuracy. 

First Look: Kifaru Hoodlum Pack

Kifaru, well-known and regarded for its American-made, backcountry-hunting gear have announced major upgrades to the Hoodlum, the company's go-to expedition pack built for long hauls.

Hardware Review: Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Holosun/Indian Creek Combo

Mossberg's 940 Pro Turkey package, complete with a Holosun optic and Indian Creek choke, might be the ultimate turkey slaying tool. Read on for our review of this excellent combination.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.