Federal Ammunition
About Federal Ammunition
Federal Ammunition is manufactured in Anoka, Minnesota, where it has remained a cornerstone of American ammo production since its founding in 1922 by Charles L. Horn.
Originally focused on shotshells for hunting and sport shooting, Federal Premium Ammunition has grown into one of the most respected and innovative names in the global firearms community.
With over a century of dedication to quality and performance, Federal has become synonymous with trusted, high-performance ammunition for rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Federal’s history is marked by a series of groundbreaking developments that have left a lasting impact on the shooting sports and defense industries.
In the 1970s, Federal revolutionized personal defense ammunition with the introduction of the Hydra-Shok bullet—a game-changing design that offered reliable expansion and deep penetration, and quickly gained widespread adoption among law enforcement agencies across the country.
As the decades progressed, Federal continued to enhance its lineup with precision-engineered ammunition tailored for every purpose—whether it’s long-range accuracy for competitive shooting or terminal performance for hunting and self-defense.
Their relentless pursuit of innovation made them a go-to brand for serious marksmen, hunters, and tactical professionals alike.
From Hunting Fields to Duty Holsters
Federal Premium is a trusted name in every corner of the shooting world. From Trophy Bonded Bear Claw and Fusion hunting loads to HST and Hydra-Shok defense rounds, the company produces a wide range of specialized ammo built for uncompromising performance.
Law enforcement agencies, professional hunters, and recreational shooters rely on Federal for its consistent quality and real-world results.
After being acquired by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in 1985, Federal became part of Vista Outdoor in 2015—further strengthening its industry reach and resources.
Today, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of ammunition innovation, with cutting-edge technologies like Syntech polymer-coated bullets and Gold Medal Match loads that deliver Olympic-level accuracy.
Whether you’re in the field, at the range, or defending your home, Federal Premium Ammunition continues to lead the way with products designed for precision, power, and reliability.
Federal Premium Ammunition Innovation
Federal Premium Ammunition has a long history of innovation in the ammunition industry.
The company has been at the forefront of developing new technologies and manufacturing processes to improve the accuracy, reliability, and performance of its products.
Here are a few examples of the innovations that Federal Premium has introduced over the years:
Syntech
In 2016, Federal Premium introduced Syntech ammunition, which uses a polymer-coated bullet to reduce friction and heat buildup in the barrel.
This results in less fouling, less barrel wear, and more consistent accuracy. Syntech is particularly popular among competitive shooters and those who shoot frequently, as it helps to extend the life of their firearms.
Fusion
Federal Premium's Fusion line of ammunition uses a special bonding process to join the bullet's jacket to its core, ensuring maximum weight retention and deep penetration.
This makes it a popular choice for big game hunting, as the bullets are able to penetrate deeply and deliver maximum energy to the target.
Terminal Ascent
Terminal Ascent ammunition is designed for long-range hunting, and uses a combination of a bonded bullet, a polymer tip, and a boat-tail design to deliver high accuracy and terminal performance.
The bullet expands reliably and penetrates deeply, making it effective for hunting a wide range of game.
Hydra-Shok
Hydra-Shok was introduced in the 1980s and quickly became one of the most popular self-defense rounds on the market.
The bullet's unique design includes a center-post that helps to control expansion, ensuring that the bullet penetrates deeply and delivers maximum stopping power.
Black Cloud
Black Cloud is a line of shotshells designed specifically for waterfowl hunting. The shells use a special blend of steel shot and a unique wad design to deliver consistent patterns and increased energy transfer, making them effective at longer ranges.
These are just a few examples of the many innovations that Federal Premium has introduced over the years.
The company is committed to using the latest technologies and materials to produce ammunition that meets the specific needs of hunters, shooters, and law enforcement professionals.
Popular calibers of Federal Premium Ammo
Federal Premium Ammunition produces a wide range of calibers for rifles, shotguns, and handguns, but some of the most popular calibers in their lineup are:
- 9mm Luger: This is a widely used caliber for handguns, and Federal Premium offers several options for self-defense and target shooting.
- 223 Remington: This is a popular caliber for rifles, especially for AR-15 style firearms, and Federal Premium offers a wide range of options for both hunting and target shooting.
- 308 Winchester: This is a popular caliber for hunting and long-range shooting, and Federal Premium offers several options for big game hunting and precision shooting.
- 12 Gauge: This is the most popular shotgun gauge, and Federal Premium offers a wide range of shotshells for hunting, sporting, and self-defense purposes.
- 270 Winchester: This is a popular caliber for big game hunting, and Federal Premium offers several options for hunters looking to take down animals like elk, moose, and bear.
Of course, the popularity of specific calibers can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of shooting or hunting being done, regional preferences, and personal preference.
However, these calibers are some of the most widely used and well-regarded in the Federal Premium Ammunition lineup.
Ammunition Depot is proud to carry Federal's full line of assorted ammunition. Whether you're searching for handgun, rifle, or shotgun ammo, you can trust Federal Premium to provide the precision you need and Ammunition Depot to carry it at a price that won't break the bank.
Federal Shotgun Shotshell Loads
- Waterfowl Loads
- Designed for waterfowl hunters, these loads offer optimum performance in wet and challenging environments.
- Federal's waterfowl ammunition is known for its consistent patterns, ensuring efficient shots at flying birds, often with the inclusion of steel or other non-toxic pellets to protect wetland environments.
- Designed for waterfowl hunters, these loads offer optimum performance in wet and challenging environments.
- Upland Loads
- Tailored for the unique demands of upland game hunting, these shells deliver a balanced combination of spread and power.
- Ideal for hunting birds such as pheasants, grouse, and quail, Federal's upland loads provide reliable performance in varied terrains, ensuring clean shots in fast-paced hunting scenarios.
- Tailored for the unique demands of upland game hunting, these shells deliver a balanced combination of spread and power.
- Target Loads
- Crafted for the precision and consistency required in shooting sports, Federal's target loads are the choice of many competitive shooters.
- These shells offer consistent velocities and tight patterns, making them perfect for clay shooting disciplines like trap, skeet, and sporting clays.
- Crafted for the precision and consistency required in shooting sports, Federal's target loads are the choice of many competitive shooters.
Want more information on Federal Premium Waterfowl, Upland, and Target Ammunition?
Check out the Federal Premium Shotshell Loads Video!
Federal Ammunition FAQs
QUESTION: What is Federal Premium ammo?
ANSWER: Federal Premium ammo is a brand of high-quality ammunition manufactured by Federal Ammunition, a subsidiary of Vista Outdoor.
QUESTION: What types of ammunition does Federal Premium offer?
ANSWER: Federal Premium offers a wide range of ammunition types for rifles, shotguns, and handguns, including hunting, target shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement applications.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of Federal Premium ammo?
ANSWER: Federal Premium ammo is known for its reliability, accuracy, and consistent performance. It also features advanced designs and technology, such as the use of high-quality components, advanced bullet designs, and innovative manufacturing processes.
QUESTION: What are some popular Federal Premium Ammunition products?
ANSWER: Some popular Federal Premium Ammunition products include the Gold Medal Match series for precision target shooting, the Fusion line for hunting, the Hydra-Shok and HST lines for personal defense, and the American Eagle line for affordable range training.
QUESTION: Where can I purchase Federal Premium Ammunition?
ANSWER: Federal Premium Ammunition is available for purchase at many retailers, including gun shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers.
QUESTION: Is Federal Premium ammo expensive?
ANSWER: Federal Premium ammo is generally priced higher than some other brands of ammunition due to its high quality and advanced features.
QUESTION: Is Federal Premium ammo suitable for beginners?
ANSWER: Federal Premium ammo can be suitable for beginners who want to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability in their shooting.
However, it may not be the most cost-effective option for those who are just starting out or who are primarily focused on range training.