Federal Premium announced a number of new products that they will be showing at the annual SHOT Show next week. Here is a run down of some of what they have released information on:

20 GA 3rd Degree

Federal will release a 20 gauge version of the 3rd Degree turkey hunting shell with a 1 7/16 oz load. The 3rd Degree line was introduced last year and is designed to improve patterns close up without degrading long range performance. According to Federal, the company was able to do this through the use of a three-stage payload.

Power-Shok Copper

Federal’s Power-Shok line has been around for years. For 2016, they expand the line to now offer Power-Shok Copper. These rounds use a copper alloy bullet for good performance without using a lead core. The initial calibers will be .308, .30-06, .270 and .243.

Micro HST in 9mm

Federal introduced a personal defense load in .380 last year that was designed for compact pistols. This was the Micro HST load. This year, the company expanded the line to a second caliber: 9mm. The new load uses a slightly heavy-for-caliber bullet: 150 grains. Federal’s sister company, Speer, has had a good deal of success with the short barrel offerings in its Gold Dot line. I expect Federal will see similar success and expand the line further in the coming years.

American Eagle Syntech

Under the American Eagle brand, Federal will be selling handgun ammunition that uses bullets that are completely encapsulated by polymer. The idea is to provide a cost effective way to reduce airborne lead and bore fouling. Smith & Wesson originally launched a similar load in the 1970’s and called it Nyclad. Later, the name and technology was purchased by Federal who used the Nyclad-type bullets as self-defense loads. Currently, the company still offers a single load in the Nyclad line – a standard pressure 125 grain HP in .38 Special. At this time, I am unsure if the Syntech uses the same materials and process, or if this is something entirely new. 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP loads will be offered.