Federal Premium HammerDown 45 Long Colt ammunition is purpose-built for lever-action rifles, delivering flawless cycling, superior ballistics, and devastating terminal performance in every 20-round box.
- 250-grain bonded soft point bullet optimized for expansion at lever-gun velocities
- Molecularly bonded construction ensures deep penetration and reliable mushrooming
- Modified chamfered case mouth enables smoother, faster feeding from the chamber
- Engineered geometry guarantees flawless cycling through tubular magazines
- Compatible with side-gate loading systems common on modern lever-action rifles
- Velocity tuned specifically for lever-action barrel lengths for peak ballistic performance
Who This Is For
Federal HammerDown 45 Long Colt is ideal for lever-action enthusiasts, hunters pursuing medium to large game at woods distances, and handgun hunters who demand reliable expansion and feeding in a classic cartridge. Whether you run a Marlin, Henry, or Winchester-pattern rifle, this load is engineered to maximize everything your lever gun has to offer.
Specifications
| Brand | Federal Premium |
|---|---|
| Series | HammerDown |
| Caliber | 45 Long Colt (.45 Colt) |
| Bullet Weight | 250 Grain |
| Bullet Type | Bonded Hollow Point (BHP) |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~900 fps (lever-action optimized) |
| Muzzle Energy | ~450 ft-lbs |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Casing | Brass, Chamfered |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Reloadable |
| Application | Lever-Action Rifles, Hunting |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot Federal HammerDown 45 Long Colt through a revolver as well as a rifle?
While HammerDown ammunition is specifically engineered and velocity-optimized for lever-action rifle barrel lengths, it can be fired through revolvers chambered in 45 Colt. However, ballistic performance — particularly bullet expansion — is calibrated for rifle velocities, so results may vary when fired from shorter revolver barrels. For revolver-focused use, Federal offers other 45 Colt loads better suited to handgun muzzle velocities.
How does the bonded hollow point bullet differ from a standard soft point?
Federal's molecularly bonded hollow point fuses the lead core to the copper jacket at the molecular level, preventing core-jacket separation upon impact. This ensures the bullet retains more of its weight as it expands, producing a wider, more consistent wound channel compared to traditional soft points — especially critical when hunting deer, hogs, or black bear at typical lever-gun ranges.
Is the modified chamfered case important, and what does it do?
Yes — the chamfered case mouth is one of HammerDown's key design innovations. It reduces the chance of rounds catching or hanging up during feeding from tubular magazines and side-gate loading systems, which are common points of failure with standard ammunition in lever-action rifles. The result is smoother, more reliable cycling that keeps you on target in the field.
- Caliber:
- 45 LONG COLT
- Bullet Weight:
- 250 GR
- Bullet Type:
- BHP
- Type:
- Rifle Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- Yes