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Lever-action fans, cowboy action shooters, and ranch hands, this one is for you. As first teased at SHOT Show 2020, your lever guns are getting some new food. One of the industry’s premier ammo manufacturers, Federal Ammunition, has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to research and develop rounds that are purpose-built for your classically Wild West-style rifles. Federal’s new HammerDown line is now shipping in five calibers: 44 Rem Magnum, 45-70 Government, 30-30 Win, 327 Federal Magnum, and 45 Colt. A sixth flavor, 357 Magnum, is slated to come on line soon as well. To announce the official introduction of these newly-available yeehaw rounds, Federal has issued the following press release:
Some of the HammerDown cartridges’ particulars.
Federal Introduces New HammerDown Hunting Ammo for Lever-Action Rifles
Federal Ammunition is proud to introduce the industry’s only ammunition truly designed for optimal cycling and overall performance from the time-tested, lever-action rifle platform. Shipments of this product have begun to arrive at dealers.
“Our goal for this new line of ammunition was to deliver enhanced performance in any lever-action rifle. HammerDown provides the velocity and terminal performance required to be an effective and ethical hunting round for medium game, especially with traditional handgun cartridges such as 357 Magnum or 44 Rem. Magnum being shot out of a rifle,” said Federal Ammunition Centerfire Rifle Product Manager Eric Miller. “We also ensured feeding performance in all lever-action rifles: tube feed as well as side gate firearms. To do this, we use modified case geometry to eliminate any feeding issues. HammerDown delivers those main benefits and much more.”
Velocities of all-new Federal Premium HammerDown loads are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet and cartridge ensures flawless cycling through tubular magazine and typical lever-action feeding systems. Available in the most popular lever-action cartridges, including 30-30 Win., 357 Magnum, 327 Federal and 44 Rem. Magnum. Additional cartridges will be added to the lineup in 2021.
Features & Benefits
• Specifically engineered for lever guns
• Functions flawlessly in side gate loading and tubular magazines
• Modified chamfered case for easier feeding
• Bullets optimized for better terminal performance out of lever-action rifles
• Designed in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms
• Bullets provide best-in-class expansion and weight retention on impact
• Increased velocities and performance in pistol cartridges
• Nickel-plated cases for corrosion resistancePart No. / Description / MSRP
LG3571 / 357 Magnum 170 grain, 20-count / $24.99
LG327F1 / 327 Federal 127 grain, 20-count / $30.99
LG441 / 44 Rem. Magnum 270 grain, 20-count / $28.99
LG30301 / 30-30 Win. 150 grain, 20-count / $26.99
LG45701 / 45-70 Govt. 300 grain, 20-count / $50.99
All of the HammerDown calibers are currently being offered in 20-round boxes.
What do you think, readers? Is there a viable niche in the market for these specialty rounds? Are you a cowboy action shooter or other lever gun aficionado, and if so, do you like the proposition of these custom-tailored cartridges? Why or why not? How do you view the development partnership between Federal and Henry on this project? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! See you at the range.
Photos courtesy of Federal Ammunition.
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