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.
