Federal Ammo
Federal: Premium Ammunition
The Federal Premium lineup of shotshells and cartridges may be the industry’s most diverse. Whether you’re a waterfowler, big-game hunter, weekend clay buster, carry for self-defense or addicted to long-range, the company has a load tailored for you.
Federal is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of sporting ammunition today. Shooters know its products are reliable and perform—facts that have allowed the company to thrive for nearly 100 years. The longevity and reputation seemed far from certain in the beginning, though.
There’s no denying the company was founded, and remains headquartered, in Anoka, MN, although opinions differ as to the people—or person—and precise date that should be cited. Federal Cartridge and Machine Company was established on Sept. 15, 1916, Federal Cartridge Company came in 1918 and Federal Cartridge Corporation followed in 1922.
Federal Ammunition History
Brothers Louis and Harry Sherman, who both had experience working in the ammo industry, were behind the initial 1916 effort. Their intent was to produce shotshells and bicycles. The owners hoped to land a lucrative military ammo contract during World War I, but two-wheelers remained on the schedule—a distraction that may have contributed to the company’s lack of success.
The first shotshell came off the assembly line in January 1917, but it did little to aid the fledgling business. Reorganization under the Federal Cartridge Company name came the next year. The Sherman brothers abandoned most of the management duties to the staff shortly thereafter and bankruptcy followed in 1920.
Rebirth Of Greatness
A group of local investors purchased the machinery and plant in 1922 and named the company Federal Cartridge Corporation. Charles L. Horn, a law degree-holding manager who had worked at American Ball and Shot in Minneapolis, was hired to resurrect the business. The company’s official history labels it a “refounding,” although that’s gross understatement considering Horn’s vision and ability to make it a reality.
The bicycle scheme was abandoned. Shotshell manufacturing was the sole focus, although part of Horn’s success was an ability to pedal the company’s wares in unusual places. In 1923 he built a distribution system that included grocery stores, barber shops and gas stations—an approach forced partly because the larger manufacturers had exclusive contracts with traditional retailers.
Sales were strong and Horn knew shotshells weren’t the only game in town. To expand the line, Federal purchased American Cartridge Company in 1924—at the time-based in Kansas City, MO—and moved production and machinery Minnesota. Rimfire cartridges were soon being sold under the Federal name.
History of Ammunition Innovation
By 1928 Federal’s ability to innovate became apparent. That year it offered loads with non-corrosive primers. Copper-coated .22 bullets followed in 1931 and the following year Federal offered high-velocity loads. In 1937 it brought a new bullet design to market, one aerodynamically tuned to reduce drag and improve accuracy—the company called it “Airlines.”
The concept is foreign to modern shooters, but shotshell were one made in a variety of colors—depending on manufacturer and supply—regardless of size, until 1960. That’s when Federal introduced a safety-enhancing color-code that has become industry standard. In 1973 the company was the first to introduce steel shot. Along the way the company has developed many of the innovations we rely on today, and most recently introduced the high-performance .224 Valkyrie in 2018—with a projectile that maintains supersonic speed past 1,300 yards.
The cutting-edge products coming out of the company’s research and development team may get the headlines, but the forward-thinking approach is standard-operating procedure in every department. Federal Premium’s history of helping non-profit organizations, for example, began in 1934. Despite the Great Depression and the fact that most profitable corporations ignored worthwhile causes, Federal defied the trend and became the first nationwide sponsor of 4-H camps. Since then it has helped the conservation efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International and many others.
Introductions & Changes
Federal didn’t manufacture its first centerfire rifle and handgun cartridges until 1963. The familiar Federal Premium line hit the shelves in 1977, the same year Charles Horn retired. His son, William, took over the helm and spearheaded many of the efforts that kept Federal one of the industry’s foremost leaders.
In 1985 Federal was sold to a group of investors. It later passed through the hands of Blount, Lehman Brothers and finally found a home in defense-industry legend Alliant Techsystems (ATK).
Today it’s part of Vista Outdoor, the ATK sporting group of companies that was spun off into a separate entity in 2015. Better mission focus was one of the reasons for the amicable separation, and the added concentration on the needs of civilian shooters shows in Federal’s current lineup.
Federal Premium HST
Federal is deadly serious about the performance of its self-defense ammunition, and the dedication is on display in its relatively new HST line. The hollow-point bullet is designed to reduce or eliminate clogging as it passes through intermediate barriers, yet reliably expand on impact and retain weight. Overpenetration is minimized while fight-stopping power is retained. Add the nickel case, bullet profile tuned to avoid feeding problems with Federal’s unique primer and it makes for the kind reliable load needed for carry or home defense. Owners of .45 ACP, .40 S&W, 10 mm, .38 Spl. and .380 ACP handguns will want to take a close look at these loads.
Federal Premium Hydra-Shok
Hydra-Shok first hit the market in 1989, and it’s never surrendered its position as one of the premier self-defense cartridges. The unmistakable-looking bullet is a hollow-point, with a center post that aids in reliable expansion and weight retention. It’s available for a variety of handgun chamberings.
Federal Gold Medal Match
Combine Federal’s the near century of cartridge-tuning knowledge with the bullet-making wizardry at Sierra Bullets and you have the MatchKing. If you want to put those calipers to use on targets further than 100 yards—without hours behind a reloading press—look no further.
Federal Premium Sierra GameKing
Hunters need to deliver clean and ethical, one-shot stops, and these loads improve the ability to do so. Loaded with the Sierra Bullets line of soft-point GameKings, they deliver the exterior ballistics required to hit and target and all the expansion needed to fill that tag.
Federal Premium Prairie Storm
Federal was the first company to produce a shotshell designed for a specific hunting pursuit. It was turkey at first, but its Prairie Storm continues the tradition with 2 3/4- and 3-inch loads in different gauges, all tailored for upland bird hunters.
Federal American Eagle
And high-volume shooters aren’t ignored by Federal. Its pocketbook-friendly American Eagle line is available in a variety of different chamberings and loads. Whether your practicing or competing with a handgun or rifle, the odds are good you’ll find an American Eagle product to cover your needs.
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Federal Power-Shok 450 Bushmaster 300 Grain JHP – 20 Rounds
$44.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 300 Grain Bullet Type Soft-Point (SP) Use Type hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 450 Bushmaster Manufacturer SKU 450BMB Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 604544646993 Cost Per Round $2.24 per round Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper popularized the thumper concept. Federal has perfected it in the form of their Power-Shok 450 Bushmaster ammunition! This round’s rather simple bullet won’t cost you an arm and a leg or any other essential limbs you might own, but it makes short work of deer, hogs and other medium size game nevertheless!
This round’s 300 grain projectile is a jacketed hollow point – just like the bullets that may currently occupy the magazine of your everyday carry pistol. The bullet’s nose cavity isn’t nearly as deep, but it is still equipped to deliver the rapid terminal expansion which kills fast and with minimal pain and suffering on your quarry’s part. The JHP’s jacket promotes deeper penetration by preventing the bullet from excessively fragmenting following high-velocity impact. Like we said: a simple design, but effective!
This round’s bullet clears the barrel at a rate of 1,900 fps. Its 0.225 G1 ballistic coefficient will keep the bullet supersonic until approximately 213 yards. Federal estimates that the JHP will still undergo terminal expansion following impact as slow as 1,000 fps, which limits this round’s effective range to approximately 248 yards. New brass cases, snappy primers and clean-burning powder complete this Minnesota-made 450 BM hunting ammo! -
Federal Vital-Shok 30-06 180 Grain Nosler Partition - 20 Rounds
$45.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 180 Grain Bullet Type Nosler Partition Use Type hunting big game, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 30-06 Manufacturer SKU P3006F Primer Type Boxer UPC Barcode 29465084691 Cost Per Round $2.29 per round 30-06 ammo complete with Brass cases and a Nosler Partition projectile. Manufactured by Federal to the highest of standards with a Boxer primer and 180 Grain bullet, the quality components come together and add up to a round that's great for hunting big game, hunting whitetail deer. You'll get 20 rounds shipped fast when you order this today. -
Federal Power-Shok 303 British 180 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$46.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 180 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Soft-Point (JSP) Use Type hunting big game, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 303 British Manufacturer SKU 303AS Primer Type Boxer UPC Barcode 29465091422 Cost Per Round $2.34 per round 20 rounds of Federal 303 British ammo that'll have your gun firing for a while and your face smiling for even longer! The Boxer primer, 180 Grain Jacketed Soft-Point (JSP) bullet and Brass cases on these New rounds make for the perfect companion for hunting big game, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer. Pick up some rounds today and you'll get fast shipping along with Widener's world class service. -
Federal 308 Win 175 Grain Terminal Ascent – 20 Rounds
$46.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 175 Grain Bullet Type Polymer Tipped Use Type hunting big game, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 308 Winchester (7.62X51) Manufacturer SKU P308TA1 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 604544659436 Cost Per Round $2.34 per round Fly true. Hit hard. This is the credo of Federal’s Terminal Ascent projectile, which merges match accuracy with overpowering terminal ballistics. If your 308 Win rifle is one of your favorite hunting companions, then this Minnesota-made cartridge will meet – and most likely exceed – your expectations.
This round’s 175 grain Terminal Ascent features Federal’s highly aerodynamic Slipstream polymer tip. The bullet’s slick copper jacket also features Federal’s AccuChannel groove technology, which effectively minimizes drag to promote a flatter trajectory and deadlier energy transferral on impact. (0.520 G1 BC; 0.258 G7 BC)
The Terminal Ascent is a true bonded bullet, which excels at resisting core/jacket separation so it can reliably tunnel a wound channel which reaches a medium or large quarry’s vital organs. The Slipstream tip presses inward to initiate devastating terminal expansion – even at lower velocities – and its meticulously contoured jacket guides wide and uniform expansion that will drop the quarry exactly where it once stood.
This top shelf hunting ammo features Federal’s own headstamped reloadable brass cases, which wear nickel plating to reduce metal-on-metal friction during feeding and extraction. Nickel also guards brass against corrosion so it can cycle dependably even after the ammo has been exposed to the elements. -
Federal Fusion 7mm Rem Mag 175 Grain Fusion - 20 Rounds
$49.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 175 Grain Bullet Type Fusion Use Type hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 7mm Remington Magnum Manufacturer SKU F7RFS2 Primer Type Boxer UPC Barcode 29465097905 Cost Per Round $2.49 per round An excellent choice if you're in search of a great 7mm Remington Magnum round for hunting whitetail deer. This New Federal ammo comes loaded with a 175 Grain Fusion along with a Boxer primer that's loaded in a Brass case. With this package, you'll receive 20 rounds ready to fire. Plus, you know it'll come fast from our warehouse to your door because we know shooting ammo is a lot more fun than looking at it online or waiting on delivery! -
Federal 20 Gauge 2-3/4" 7/8 oz. Power-Shok Sabot Slug - 5 Rounds
$12.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 7/8 oz. Bullet Type Sabot Slug Use Type home defense, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer, sabot slug Quantity 5 Ammo Caliber 20 Gauge Manufacturer SKU F203SS2 Shot Material Lead Shell Length 2-3/4" UPC Barcode 29465027384 Cost Per Round $2.57 per round The 20 gauge is a versatile and effective hunting tool, but you need the right loads for the specific job. When you are looking for a reliable slug for your rifled barrel or rifled choke tube, this is one of the best rounds you can find. With excellent velocity and power, this round is great for medium game like whitetail deer.
Coming out of the barrel, this round has a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second. It also has an energy of 1,787 foot pounds. The slug weighs seven-eights of an ounce, giving you plenty of power for your hunting expedition. With the sabot hollow point slug, you’ll have maximum penetration and excellent accuracy.
This slug is manufactured by Federal Premium Ammunition, a Minnesota company that has been producing top-quality products since 1922. They have a reputation for reliability and consistency, making them a favorite among hunters and target shooters.
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Federal 6.5 Creedmoor 130 Grain Terminal Ascent – 20 Rounds
$51.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 130 Grain Bullet Type Polymer Tipped Use Type hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 6.5mm Creedmoor Manufacturer SKU P65CRDTA1 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 604544659443 Cost Per Round $2.59 per round Want to witness the incredible accuracy and long-range stopping power of Federal Premium’s highly acclaimed Terminal Ascent projectile? Then we’ve got just the 6.5 Creedmoor hunting ammunition for you!
This cartridge’s Terminal Ascent is a true match-accurate bullet. It stirs up minimal drag thanks to its proprietary Slipstream polymer tip and AccuChannel groove technology. Alongside the bullet’s sleek, concentric jacket, those features add up to give the bullet a 0.532 G1 ballistic coefficient. That’s high for a 130 grain 0.2644” bullet, and certain to supply the flat trajectory, great wind resistance and high degree of energy retention that long-range hunting demands.
The Terminal Ascent performs great at close range as well. Its bonded core and jacket stay tightly anchored to each other following high-velocity impact, so the bullet won’t tear itself to shreds before it can arrive at the deadliest depth within a deer. And because the Slipstream will initiate full terminal expansion at velocities 200 fps lower than other similar polymer tipped hunting bullets, you can test out your aim on truly distant trophies.
This ammo’s match grade Boxer primers and clean-burning propellant charges are housed in nickel-plated brass cases. They are reloadable, corrosion resistant and low-friction enough to provide noticeably smoother feeding. -
Federal Vital-Shok 300 Winchester Magnum 180 Grain Trophy Bonded Tip - 20 Rounds
$54.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 180 Grain Bullet Type Trophy Bonded Tip Use Type hunting big game, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer, really big game hunting Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 300 Winchester Magnum Manufacturer SKU P300WTT1 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465099473 Cost Per Round $2.74 per round An excellent choice if you're in search of a great 300 Winchester Magnum round for hunting big game, hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer, really big game hunting. This New Federal ammo comes loaded with a 180 Grain Trophy Bonded Tip along with a Boxer primer that's loaded in a Nickel-Plated Brass case. With this package, you'll receive 20 rounds ready to fire. Plus, you know it'll come fast from our warehouse to your door because we know shooting ammo is a lot more fun than looking at it online or waiting on delivery! -
Federal Power-Shok 303 British 150 Grain SP – 20 Rounds
$54.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 150 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Soft-Point (JSP) Use Type hunting boar, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 303 British Manufacturer SKU 303B Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465085940 Cost Per Round $2.74 per round Federal's Power-Shok line helps bring American engineering to old British favorite that spells hell for any medium-size game animal that enters your sight picture. Each .303 British round is built ignited by a clean-burning Boxer primer which is inserted into the base of a brass casing with an accompaniment of water-blocking sealant that helps guarantee reliable function after being humped around in swampy environments. The brass casing is reloadable and can be processed at a home reloading bench for custom loads after being fired. Federal Premium has experience with these components dating back to 1928, allowing them to offer this effective ammunition at an affordable price.
Each round is topped with a 150-grain soft point which is light for the .303 caliber and offers flat-shooting performance with no lack in terminal energy. As the bullet enters a target its soft exposed nose will be smashed, causing massive expansion which tears up internal organs, making the most efficient use of its kinetic energy. A toothed cannelure at the bullet's midsection culls this expansion just enough to ensure proper penetration by mitigating jacket separation. This same feature keeps the bullet properly aligned in its crimp for an accurate zero that you can trust.
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Federal 300 Winchester Magnum 200 Grain Terminal Ascent – 20 Rounds
$57.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 200 Grain Bullet Type Polymer Tipped Use Type hunting big game, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 300 Winchester Magnum Manufacturer SKU P300WTA1 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 604544659429 Cost Per Round $2.89 per round The Terminal Ascent. It is essentially Federal Premium’s Trophy Bonded Tip, but reengineered so it can undergo full terminal expansion at velocities up to 200 fps lower than its predecessor. Whether you’re hunting long-range or up-close with your 300 Winchester Magnum rifle, this ammo won’t let you down.
The Terminal Ascent doesn’t miss an opportunity to conserve its own velocity. The bullet owes its flat, wind resistant trajectory to its sharp Slipstream Tip, drag-minimizing AccuChannel groove technology, tapered base and concentric jacket. All together, these features heighten the 200 grain Terminal Ascent’s G7 ballistic coefficient to 0.304 (G1 0.608). Zero in at 500 yards and witness a trajectory that tops out at 18.4”.
The Slipstream tip is surrounded by a thin jacket mouth and anchored in the center of a dense lead core. It triggers wide expansion even when it reaches its mark with relatively little kinetic energy. The Terminal Ascent doesn’t fail at close range, either, as its core and thick copper shank are fully bonded. The bullet’s thick solid copper base also assures the momentum requisite for wide expansion coupled with deep penetration.
Carefully matched primers and propellant charges provide reliable performance. Nickel-plated brass cases supply smooth feeding and enhanced corrosion resistance. Widener’s seals the deal with fast shipping! -
Federal Vital-Shok 41 Pellets 12 Gauge 3" #4 Buck – 5 Rounds
$14.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight Not Applicable Bullet Type #4 Buck Use Type hunting or defending your home Quantity 5 Ammo Caliber 12 Gauge Manufacturer SKU P158 4B Shot Material Lead Shell Length 3" UPC Barcode 29465001285 Cost Per Round $2.97 per round A great option for your 12 Gauge shotgun! These Federal rounds have a shell_length of 3" and are loaded with Lead shot that make them an ideal choice for hunting or defending your home. These are New rounds so you can focus on your surroundings knowing that you'll get reliable performance from each round. -
Federal Gold Medal 300 Winchester Magnum 190 Grain Sierra Matchking BTHP - 20 Rounds
$61.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 190 Grain Bullet Type Hollow-Point Boat Tail (HP-BT) Use Type match or precision shooting, plinking at the range Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 300 Winchester Magnum Manufacturer SKU GM300WM Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465091736 Cost Per Round $3.09 per round The 300 Winchester Magnum is the most popular 30 caliber magnum round on the market. With incredible accuracy, power, and range, it is no wonder how this round became such a hit. Whether you need to compete in a long range match or take down deer, elk, or other North American game, the 300 Win Mag is a great choice.
Federal has been around since 1922, making some of the best and most reliable ammunition in America. However, these Gold Metal rounds are something special. Federal loads these with the famous Sierra MatchKing projecitles. Each of these 190 grain hollow point boat tail bullets are loaded into fresh brass cases that come boxer primed and are reloadable. MatchKing projectiles have a reputation for being extremely consistent for long range target shooting and match competing. Federal Gold Medal ammo is loaded in Anoka, Minnesota.
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Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Grain Nosler Partition - 20 Rounds
$64.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 180 Grain Bullet Type Nosler Partition Use Type hunting big game, hunting whitetail deer Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 300 Winchester Magnum Manufacturer SKU P300WD2 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465084615 Cost Per Round $3.24 per round 300 Winchester Magnum ammo complete with Brass cases and a Nosler Partition projectile. Manufactured by Federal to the highest of standards with a Boxer primer and 180 Grain bullet, the quality components come together and add up to a round that's great for hunting big game, hunting whitetail deer. You'll get 20 rounds shipped fast when you order this today. -
Federal Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3-1/2" 00 Buck – 5 Rounds
$25.00Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight Not Applicable Bullet Type #00 Buck Use Type hunting or defending your home Quantity 5 Ammo Caliber 12 Gauge Manufacturer SKU P135F 00 Shot Material Lead Shell Length 3-1/2" UPC Barcode 29465028350 Cost Per Round $5 per round An excellent 12 Gauge load manufactured by Federal that promises excellent performance and reliable feeding/extraction round after round. These are new 3-1/2" shells loaded with Lead shot, you'll have 5 rounds ready for your next hunting or defending your home. -
Federal Gold Medal 338 Lapua Magnum 300 Grain Sierra® MatchKing® HPBT - 20 Rounds
$144.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Condition New Bullet Weight 300 Grain Bullet Type Hollow-Point Boat Tail (HP-BT) Use Type match or precision shooting Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 338 Lapua Magnum Manufacturer SKU GM338LM2 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465063139 Cost Per Round $7.24 per round For a match load that takes full advantage of the .338 Lapua's accuracy potential, look no further than Federal Gold Medal cartridges. This ammo delivers an unerring precision that competitive shooters find well worth the cost.
Each round in this box of 20 fires a 300 grain Sierra MatchKing open tipped bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,580 feet per second. The heavy but streamlined design of the MatchKing gives it excellent external ballistics with high resistance to crosswinds and predictable points of impact.
Federal Gold Medal cartridges are loaded in Anoka, Minnesota using non-corrosive Boxer primers and re-loadable brass. While all Federal ammo is of high quality, Gold Medal rounds are subjected to tighter tolerances and stricter quality control measures to ensure match-grade performance for the customer.
Customer Reviews
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Ordered and shipped without any problems. I’ve already recommended to a few guys at the local gun store.
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Great place! Excellent customer service! My orders shipped within 48 hours. Would definitely recommend to everyone!
Review by Eric (Posted on 7/27/2020)
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