The Federal Story

Federal Ammunition opened its doors on April 27, 1922. Odds were against the fledgling factory, but the support of shooters like you and the tireless work of our dedicated American workforce carried us through the decades and transformed us into the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer.

TOUR OUR FACTORY

Take an exclusive tour of Federal’s historic 175-acre manufacturing plant. Come along for a seldom-seen look behind the curtain and learn more about how Federal crafts the world’s best ammunition.

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Federal Premium Nosler Partition 375 H&H Mag packaging

When Federal Became Premium

In 1976, Federal did what no other ammunition company had ever dared to do, bringing in the best boutique components from across the industry to create handloader-quality loads straight from the factory.

How We Did It

A Century Of Commitment To Conservation

For a hundred years and running, Federal has made it a priority to give back to the wild places and creatures that mean so much to hunters and non-hunters alike.

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Federal Ammunition being loaded into a pistol magazine

How Federal Changed Law Enforcement

Today’s police officers likely wouldn’t have the tools they need to properly defend our communities or themselves without the ammunition advancements brought about by Federal over the decades.

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The Collector

Meet the man who spent more than 50 years quietly preserving Federal Ammunition’s history—one package at a time.

different caliber cartridges from 1962 in a line

Federal Transforms Rifle Ammunition

World War II propelled Federal into manufacturing centerfire rifle ammunition. This would ultimately cause a seismic shift in how rifle loads are built, how they perform, and how shooters use them.

See The Changes

box of HOA shells opened on a shelf at an outdoor range

Crushing Clays Since The Early Days

With a track record of building shotshells that stretches all the way back to our founding, Federal reigns as the overwhelming choice of the best competitive clay target shooters.

Learn How It Happened

Federal Fusion box with a loaded magazine on top

Fusion Leaves Its Mark

Once in a great while, a product comes along that truly changes the game. Fusion ammunition stands out as one of the Federal’s most successful introductions of all time.

The 1920s: From Bankruptcy To Boom

Federal Ammunition’s earliest days were filled with both uncertainty and inspiration, and the result was something no one could have predicted.

See How It Happened

Federal’s Founding Personalities

Despite the odds being stacked against Federal in its early years, the company survived and thrived thanks to its employees. Take a look at the key figures in Federal Cartridge Company’s formation.

ammo boxes sitting on top of a wooder box with Red Head Shells written on it

Federal Under Another Name

Learn how some hunters and shooters chose Federal Ammunition for decades without ever actually knowing it.

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Federal Goes To War

Throughout the past century, whenever America and its allies have needed to fight for freedom, Federal has answered the call for ammunition.

farmer with arms spread while looking at a hunter who just shot a bird

Advertising Advocacy

At a time when North America’s wildlife populations and habitat were at historic lows, Federal used advertising to be the guiding voice of conservation.

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The Unlikely Start

It wasn’t the factory’s ammunition manufacturing capabilities that caught the attention of Federal’s founders. Learn the unlikely role air gun BBs and packaging played in company history.

female hunter looking down a rifle scope on the top of a hill

The Climb To The Top

Learn the decades-long evolution that fueled the rise of Federal Premium Terminal Ascent.

What’s Old Is New

With a little ingenuity and hard work, Federal employees have found ways to make machines from our early years build modern ammunition to meet today’s demand.

See What They Did

Federal's Family Legacy

Today, many Federal employees can trace their family trees back to the company’s start. Meet three of these legacy families and learn their remarkable stories.

American Eagle boxes through out the years

Flight Of The Eagle

American Eagle has been part of the Federal story since the company’s earliest days. Learn how the brand came to be, evolved through the decades and still flies strong today.

Charles Horn sitting with some female softball players in the dugout

An Era Ends And A Legacy Endures

In 55 years of leadership at Federal, founding President Charles Horn made contributions to the company, community and American industry that are still making a difference.

A Look Back: Hunter Safety

For generations, Federal served the industry as not only a manufacturer, but also as an educator. These hunter safety posters from the 1950s are perfect examples of Federal’s longstanding leadership. Interestingly, although clothing, firearms and styles have clearly changed, the safety fundamentals illustrated on these posters are just as true and timely now as the day they were printed.

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Legacy Of Innovation

1916 — 1920

Original conception of the Federal plant in 1916. Initially, the Sherman brothers hoped to produce 175,000 shotshells a week, but that never happened under their watch.

1916 — 1920

Louie and Harry Sherman were the sort of nomadic inventors common in the early 20th century. They had obvious talents but never let the dust of any one place settle on them. Their role in Federal history was crucial but short.

1922

First products of the new company are three Hi-Power shotshell loads: a short-brass Dixie load with black powder, Standard ammo with medium brass, and Ranger long brass.

1922

Federal as we know it today is born when investors led by Charles Horn purchase the Anoka ammunition plant and establish the new Federal Cartridge Corporation.

1922

Charles Horn was originally interested in Federal because he wanted to make paper tubes for air rifle shot. Federal offered BBs from the 1920s through the 1970s.

1923

Company lore has it that Charles Horn himself posed in a red sweater and flat cap for the art that graced Federal target ammo into the 1950s.

1923

Thwarted by competitors, Charles Horn builds distribution through unusual channels like barber shops, gas stations, hardware stores, dentists, and pool halls.

1924

Federal's Hi-Power rimfire ammo was available in smokeless or the semi-smokeless Lesmok. Long and Short 22s were more popular than the 22 Long Rifle at this point.

1924

Federal purchased the American Cartridge Company and moved it to Anoka from Kansas City. It eventually became the American Eagle brand still used today.

1926

By 1926, Federal was offering a comprehensive line of shotshells and rimfire ammo. One load in each gauge was offered with blackpowder, handy for Damascus barrels.

1926

Box labels were changed to a dark blue background with the iconic flying duck. End labels promoted the gunpowder featured in each load.

1927

The brands on Federal shotshell packaging include: Dixie, Reliable, Monark, Favorite, and Hi-Power Oval, each indicating a recommended shooting or hunting application.

1927

Federal makes house brand shotshells and rimfire ammo for Sears & Roebuck, the great Chicago rival of Montgomery Ward. Sta-Klean indicated non-corrosive priming.

1928

Being your own boss was as compelling in 1928 as it is today, and Federal touted shotshells as a great money-maker for garages. By then, jobbers were happy to sell Federal ammo.

1928

1928 saw the introduction of non-corrosive priming to the Federal rimfire line. Lesmok and smokeless powder were still available, Lesmok boxes being a lighter blue.

1929

At this stage of Federal history, many machines were still driven by belts from a central jackshaft, requiring workers to move carefully around the factory floor.

1929

Federal executive offices moved into the then-new Foshay Tower in Minneapolis, where they stayed until the 1980s. The building is now occupied by the W Hotel-Foshay.

1930

By 1930, Federal was employing more than 500 workers, from a core of seven less than 10 years earlier. The Depression had relatively little effect at this point.

1930

From the start, Federal was quickly a favorite shell of trap and skeet shooters. This is an early patch to commemorate shooting 100 straight targets with Hi-Power shotshells.

1931

In 1931, Franklin W. Olin purchased a majority of Federal. He was the founder of Olin Corp. and Western Cartridge Co. and bought Winchester the same year.

1932

Skeet shooting grew exponentially during the 1930s, and squads like the Forest Park Isaak Walton League team defied the Depression to pursue the then-new clay target sport.

1932

Federal introduced its first skeet loads, designed specifically for the fast-growing shotgun sport. Federal used purple paper on regular skeet loads.

1933

Through the contacts from Franklin Olin, Western Cartridge Co. began loading the 22 WRF for Federal. Though something of an oddball, it lasted into the 1950s.

1933

The 22 BB cap was offered from 1932-1934. Note that the box states the priming is non-fouling, not non-corrosive. These little cartridges were notoriously dirty to use.

1934 — 1935

Avid conservationist Charles Horn helped institute the 4-H Club Conservation Program, and Federal became the first company to sponsor camps nationwide.

1934 — 1935

Even as early as the mid-1930s, Federal often called up professional shooters to promote its brand and products.

1934 — 1935

Advocacy from hunters, conservationists, and the hunting industry results in the launch of the Federal Duck Stamp. Billions have been raised since 1935.

1934 — 1935

Federal worked three shifts a day, and the day shift put in a half-day on Saturday. Regardless the shift, lunch was a half-hour. Federal's employee parking lot was a busy place.

1937

The Airline brand was introduced in 1937 with red box (standard load) and blue box (Xcess Speed) versions. The line lasted until 1941 and has not been revived.

1937

Then as now, waterfowlers wanted more power, so in 1937, Federal began offering 3-inch Magnum versions of the Hi-Power shell. The 3-inch 20-gauge came out in 1958.

1938 — 1939

The lingering effects of market hunting, the Dust Bowl, and land clearance for farming had all thinned the once unending waterfowl populations. Conservation was essential.

1938 — 1939

The German invasion of Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, had effects felt all the way to Anoka. Dealers were warned that metals shortages meant previous prices could not be honored.

1940

Rifled slugs were introduced in 1940, replacing the round ball loads sold in the 1930s. They were offered in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge, as well as in 410 bore for small game use. Both conventional boxes and five-packs could be had.

1940

Federal introduces 'Wadless Crimp' shells with an eight-point folded crimp. Discerning shooters of the time wanted to know the powder brand, loaded in their shells, so these were obligingly marked 'Red Dot' or 'MX'.

1940

Clarence Livgard was an omnipresent figure in early Federal history, both in the plant and in social activities. He won an Ordnance Banner for his war work in the 1940s.

1940

Federal shipped more than 120 million shotshells and more than 337 million rimfires in 1940, for a total of 458,216,288 rounds. That number included a limited amount of 22 WRF and other products manufactured by Western.

1942

March 3: The Federal board of directors accepts an order from the British government for 1.4 million mortar ignition shells, with an option to buy another 600,000. Federal officially joins the Allied cause in World War II.

1942

Charles Horn, Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen, and U.S. Army Ordnance representatives break ground for the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant Aug. 28, 1941. The plant would produce ammunition for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

1942

More than half the workers at Twin Cities Ordnance Plant were women, like forelady Peggy Johlfs, who presented President Franklin D. Roosevelt with .30 and .50 cartridges as he toured the plant in his famous open car Sept. 19, 1942.

1943

Keeping the home front motivated was the job of the Office of War Information, which produced media to inform and encourage the population. Posters reminded factory workers their tasks were vital.

1943

Federal's mortar ignition shell design goes into production. Resembling a short and stubby shotgun shell, it's inserted in the base of the mortar bomb. As the bomb slides down the tube, its primer impacts a firing pin, launching the bomb.

1944

Shotshell production was greatly reduced but not ended during World War II. Federal loaded trap and skeet ammunition for training purposes throughout the war, many with unplated steel heads and boxes marked 'U.S. Property.'

1946

Federal developed the disintegrating top wad, which was a hardened, thick powder that sealed the top of the shotshell. This greatly improved its patterning and performance. Before this, a thin disc of roll-crimped paperboard held the shot in place.

1947

Federal turned innovative manufacturing of safety devices into Hoffman Engineering in 1947. The company, now nVent Hoffman, thrived through the 1980s and still makes safety equipment.

1950

The standard-speed Monark (red box) and the high-speed Hi-Power (blue box) continued to be the rimfire packaging for the entire 1950s and into the following decade.

1950

The 22 WRF, always a bit of an orphan, lost its place in the Federal line in 1950. The coonskin cap was always an anachronism for this obscure rimfire round.

1951

Reloading became a huge hobby as shooters started loading for surplus arms. In 1951, Federal began offering centerfire primers that let those guns get back to shooting.

1951

The Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, renamed Twin Cities Arsenal in 1946, was brought back for the Korean War. Here, workers test-fire ammo though belt-fed machine guns.

1953

Packaging graphics used on target loads since 1930 were replaced by a shattering clay target in 1953.

1954

The Monark was the Federal Cartridge Corp. employee publication, emblematic of the benevolent, paternalistic management culture of the 1950s.

1954

The 2 3/4-inch magnum load introduced in 1954 packed a thumping 4 drams powder equivalent behind a full 1 1/2 ounces of lead shot. This would be a powerful load even today.

1955

Separate trap and skeet loads were combined into Target Loads in 1955. The yellow and black box was retained. Folded crimps returned, though with six points.

1955

Then as now, shotgunners craved more power, and Federal delivered with the 2 3/4-inch 12- and 16-gauge Standard Magnums. These were the days when lead shot was still allowed for waterfowl.

1956

Machinery powered by belts from line shafts was steadily converted to utilize electric motors, making it safer for the worker and more reliable.

1957

Patches or brassards were an important promotional item during the 1950s.

1957

The 12-gauge 3-inch reappeared in 1957, followed almost immediately by the 3-inch 20-gauge in 1958. By this point, Federal was already considering new packaging designs.

1958

Charles Horn emphasized firearms safety from the earliest days, and Federal produces safety posters for use by gun clubs, summer camps, and hunting lodges.

1959

Federal got ready for the Swinging Sixties by testing several variations of a new box design, with the version shown at bottom right getting the nod.

1960

Federal led the industry in introducing color-coded shotshells, helping to eliminate the '12-20 burst,' caused when a 20-gauge shell was dropped into a 12-gauge gun and followed with a 12-gauge shell.

1961

By 1961, shotshell handloading was well-established. It was a bit more complicated than today: handloaders had to calculate the proper combination of card and cushion wads to produce the desired wad column.

1962 — 1963

After more than 40 years making shotshells and rimfire ammo, Federal adds centerfire rifle and handgun ammunition to the product line.

1962 — 1963

The 12-cartridge rifle lineup included familiar ones and others that have become obscure, like the 222 Rem. and 32 Win. Spl. Surplus rounds like the 7mm and 8mm Mausers and the 303 British were popular at the time.

1962 — 1963

Pistol shooters were not left out of the fun when centerfire ammo joined the Federal range. Both 38 Special wadcutter and 45 ACP hardball were offered.

1962 — 1963

Starting in the 1960s, child warnings were printed on all boxes. This was required by the government's Safety Commission.

1964

The Monark Target load, with traditional card and fiber wads, was supplanted by the new Champion cartridge with a plastic wad. It produced much more effective target patterns by protecting the shot while it passed through the bore.

1965

Federal introduces plastic shotshells. The wad column combined a plastic shot cup with a fiber cushion wad, joining old and new technology. In 1965, the 16-gauge rendered in purple was still an important market segment.

1965

Target loads in the small gauges are offered as Monark Target. Not many competitors were using 16-gauge by this point, but the 20-and 28-gauges and 410 bore were used in skeet.

1967

In 1967, the well-established Monark and Hi-Power rimfire boxes gave way to an all-red box for both lines. The 22 Short was still popular, and Federal made a round for international rapid-fire pistol shooting.

1968

By 1968, the Champion could be had with paper hull or a new all-plastic hull that dispensed with the fiber base wad of earlier plastic shells for better reloading.

1969

By the end of the decade, shotgunners could choose traditional card and fiber wads or join the movement to plastic wads like the Champion Pellet Protector.

1970

Promotional loads in Game and Duck & Pheasant packaging are introduced. Promotional loads allow Federal to offer separate lines for gun dealers and discount stores.

1970

The Pushin'-Cushion wad is introduced. The recoil-absorbing center section helps relieve punishment when shoot-offs go on for hours in big tournaments.

1971

Centerfire rifle cartridges began being offered in plastic cartridge carriers. These could be threaded onto any belt or carried in a pocket to keep rounds clean and secure.

1971

The duck has been a symbol of Federal since the beginning, and an ad from the 1970s offered the perfect recipe, combining Federal shotshells for getting the duck and sherry for cooking it.

1972

Hi-Power 100s start the trend of rimfire cartridges in a plastic box with sliding lid. These made it easy to access five rounds in the field or on the range.

1972

The paper-hulled Champion was an instant success in the 1960s and remained so for years. It was supplemented in 1972 by the Champion II, with a very reloadable one-piece plastic hull.

1973

Federal led the way with the introduction of steel shot waterfowl ammo in 1973. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service didn't require non-toxic shot to prevent lead ingestion by waterbirds until the 1990s.

1973

Federal was hardly immune to the lure of 1970s color schemes, as can be seen in the packaging of Power-Flite rimfire ammo for small game hunting. New package designs came quickly.

1973

An accurate standard-velocity 22 is a rimfire product almost everyone can use, and Federal borrowed the Champion name from the shotshell line for a popular target round.

1975

League and Special Target addressed two different audiences. League was an economical load for practice, while Special Target used fiber wads for wider patterns in skeet shooting.

1975

Famed trick shooter Tom Frye used Federal ammunition for many years and in 1975 used Federal 22 Shorts to make this image, shooting freehand with no outline on the target.

1976

Under the leadership of Bill Stevens, Federal took a leading role in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, which since then has taught thousands of youngsters to enjoy safe shooting.

1976

You might not expect an ammo manufacturer to promote handloading, but in 1976, Federal would throw in a case of Pushin'-Cushion wads with every case of League target shells bought.

1977

A huge milestone in Federal history was the introduction of Premium ammunition, which combined the best components from every source with precision manufacturing techniques.

1977

The introduction of steel shot induced a revival of the long-dormant 10-gauge. With 2 ounces of shot, 3 1/2-inch magnum loads were effective hunting loads, though not for the recoil-shy hunter.

1978

The man who personified Federal Cartridge Corp. for more than 55 years died in 1978 at the age of 90. Charles L. Horn was an industrialist, conservationist, and philanthropist.

1978

Camouflage started to be cool in the late 1970s, and Federal was keen to use it in packaging, as on this box for 20-gauge American Eagle shotshells.

1980

With obvious reference to the Olympics of that year, Federal introduced the Gold Medal target load. The recoil-dampening 12S3 wad and a one-piece plastic hull made it both a pleasure to shoot and a breeze to reload.

1981

In the 1980s, the Federal Premium line of ammunition continued strong, which helped Federal ammo get into large dealers that never carried the brand before. These new dealers greatly helped grow Federal's overall business.

1981

Federal produced specially marked shells for the Ducks Unlimited banquet fundraising program, marking the beginning of several support relationships with conservation groups.

1981

Federal's original private brand customer, Montgomery Ward, got out of the ammunition business in 1981, after almost 60 years of selling Federal-produced shotshells and rimfire cartridges.

1983

Hyper-velocity rimfires were all the rage in the early 1980s, and Federal was part of the trend with the colorfully named and packaged Lightning and Spitfire loads.

1984

Better bullets and manufacturing gave the 22 Win. Mag. a new burst of popularity in the 1980s, and Federal was on board, offering the fast-stepping rimfire in distinctive packaging.

1984

If you lived in a buckshot zone and wanted the ultimate in stopping power, you could select the 10-gauge Federal Premium load with 18 pellets of 00 Buck - twice the usual 12-gauge load.

1984

In the organization's first year, Federal becomes a supporter of Pheasants Forever and also joins forces with the National Wild Turkey Federation, continuing a long tradition.

1985

Why endure more recoil than you need to when shooting clay targets? That was the idea when Extra-Lite loads were introduced in 1985. They made shooting a lot more pleasant.

1985

Heavyweight Magnum fulfilled the desire of hunters for maximum charge weight with a full 2-ounce load of lead shot. Recoil, of course, was proportional.

1986

Nyclad pistol cartridges allow safer indoor shooting practice by containing lead dust in a nylon envelope. They immediately became popular with law enforcement agencies.

1986

If regular slugs just weren't enough for you, Federal added 3-inch Hi-Shok 12-gauge slugs in 1986. The longer shells provided an additional 70 fps velocity.

1987

As befits a company that long used the duck as its symbol, Federal began supporting Ducks Unlimited's efforts to conserve and increase wildfowl habitat in North America.

1987

Most think of Premium as a rifle brand, but in 1987, Federal added new No. 1 and No. 000 buckshot loads to the Premium shotshell line. They had buffered, copper-plated shot.

1988

Pentair, of Arden Hills, Minn., a diversified industrial company with a specialization in hand tools, acquired FC Holdings, the parent company of Federal and Hoffman Engineering.

1988

Top Gun was the target load for the shooter who was looking to stretch their ammo dollar without sacrificing performance.

1988

The former Special Target loads, with paper hulls and fiber wads, were rebranded in 1988 for the fast-growing discipline of sporting clays where their large patterns paid off.

1989

The 10-gauge was just too big for a lot of shooters, spurring development of the 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge. It was more conventionally sized but could hold big loads of steel shot.

1989

Several shotshell lines were consolidated under the name 'Classic' with sophisticated blue and gray pinstriped packaging. Target ammo retained its own designations.

1989

Was it worthwhile for Federal to offer the 470 Nitro Express? Turns out it was. Its availability made it dominant among new-build African rifles into the 1990s and beyond.

1989

The late 1980s were a time of furious innovation in law enforcement pistol loads, and Federal led the pack with the Hydra-Shok line of bullets that combined expansion and penetration.

1990 — 1992

The Persian Gulf War caused planners to consider reestablishing production at Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The conflict was over so quickly that the idea was shelved.

1990 — 1992

To offer an even more economical package to the value-minded shooter, American Eagle ammo is heavily promoted in the 1992 catalog.

1990 — 1992

The style of the 1990s demanded a classic look, so Federal ammo was soon boxed in pinstriped packaging that reflected the refined aesthetics of the times.

1990 — 1992

Gold Medal UltraMatch rimfire cartridges power Launi Meili's gold medal in smallbore rifle at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, validating Federal's commitment to precision ammo.

1993 — 1994

Federal has always been about supporting the dealer, and this shotshell-shaped ammo selector let the customer learn about Federal offerings right on the retail floor.

1993 — 1994

Premium Trophy Bonded ammunition spotlighted the 1994 Federal catalog. Federal's acquisition of the Trophy Bonded brand brought the most modern bullet technology in-house.

1995

BallistiClean ammo was especially useful for law enforcement agencies conducting training in shoot houses, which were proliferating in the 1990s. It greatly reduced harmful compounds.

1995

Distinctive Tactical ammo was offered in rifle, pistol, and slug configurations beginning in 1995. Packaging reflected the Classic design emphasis of other Federal lines.

1996

Federal's support of the shooting sports wasn't confined to summer games. U.S. Biathlon athlete Kara Hermanson-Salmela was backed by Federal ammo and technical support.

1996

Self defense is the reason most people own pistols and revolvers, so why not offer ammo named that way? Personal Defense ammo offered jacketed hollow points in nickeled cases.

1997

Federal is acquired by Blount Industries, primarily a maker of chainsaws and other logging equipment that had previously purchased Federal competitor, CCI.

1997

Shotshell patterning is the best way to know if your shotgun shoots straight and how large a pattern it prints at a given distance. Federal offered a kit to make the process easy.

1997

If BallistiClean was good for law enforcement training with centerfire pistols, why not for rimfires? Indoor rimfire shooters got their shot at non-toxic loads with BallistiClean 22s.

1998 — 1999

Personal Defense ammo, using Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow-point bullets, was offered in a distinctive new package that highlighted the effective Hydra-Shok bullet design and a tamper-proof plastic box.

1998 — 1999

The breakup of the Soviet Union greatly reduced the price of tungsten, allowing Federal to offer tungsten-iron loads that offered lead performance in a non-toxic cartridge.

1998 — 1999

An alternative to tungsten-iron was tungsten-polymer, a material that allows hunters who shoot classic shotguns to use tungsten shot without worrying about barrel damage.

1998 — 1999

Australian manufacturer Woodleigh was well-known for its dangerous-game bullets even before it teamed up with Federal to offer Premium ammo with its robust Weldcore bullet.

1998 — 1999

Federal joined with Barnes Bullets to offer the Expander all-copper saboted slug load. The new slug offered a combination of expansion and penetration and was non-toxic, to boot.

2000

Duck and goose hunters of the time were all about getting more energy on target using higher velocity, and Federal was on the case with Classic Heavy High Velocity (HHV) Steel ammo.

2000

Federal promotional, discount loads often had packaging that separated itself from the standard and Premium product lines.

2001

In 2001, Federal introduced an Expanding Full Metal Jacket (EFMJ) handgun round. This uniquely designed round featured a scored full-metal nose, encapsulating a rubber tip that collapses upon impact.

2001

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) purchased Federal and immediately invested in marketing as well as research and development. These moves greatly helped the brand grow in the commercial, law enforcement, and military markets.

2003

Federal Ammunition is rebranded in general as Federal Premium, with the different families designated by a name ending in 'Shok', a term established by Hi-Shok and Hydra-Shok ammo.

2003

Winning performance on the range requires lots of practice, so Federal offered Champion handgun target loads, letting avid shooters stock up for time behind the trigger.

2004 — 2006

In 2005, Federal introduced its Premium TruBall, which became the most accurate smoothbore slug on the market.

2004 — 2006

Power-Shok took the place in the line once occupied by Hi-Power: a conventional load for the economy-minded hunter looking for reliable performance at a popular price.

2004 — 2006

In 2004, 17 HMR was hot, and Federal launched two new loads for it.

2004 — 2006

The first rifle cartridge with Federal in its name rolled out in 2006. Developed in cooperation with Sako, the 338 Federal offered a step up in power and penetration from the 308 Win.

2004 — 2006

Fusion technology was too good to be confined to rifle cartridges, so Federal gave handgun hunters access, too. The 454 Casull is a potent revolver round that's perfect for use with the Fusion bullet.

2007

Federal launches the 327 Federal in cooperation with Ruger. The new cartridge is a lengthened 32 H&R Mag. and provides effective defensive performance in smaller-caliber revolvers.

2007

At the other end of the power spectrum, the 460 S&W is added to the Vital-Shok line. This round is for hunting large and dangerous game with a revolver and has the power for the job.

2007

Federal has provided millions in support for conservation groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation through royalty programs that donate a portion of each box's profit to deserving groups.

2007

In 2007, Black Cloud introduced a new Premium waterfowl load that changed the game for waterfowl hunting ammunition and set a higher bar in performance and effectiveness.

2008

Federal's more than a quarter-century of support to Pheasants Forever paid off with improved habitat and hunting opportunities throughout the country.

2008

No lead? No problem! The Barnes Triple Shock X showed an all-copper bullet could expand as effectively as any multi-part type while maintaining the deep penetration copper solids are known for.

2008

Famed hunter, television personality, cultural commentator, and evangelist Phil Robertson, the Duck Commander, appeared in special edition packaging of Black Cloud in 2008.

2008

Federal introduces the HST line of law enforcement ammunition. Designed to maximize performance in the FBI Test Protocol, it combines deep penetration and reliable expansion.

2009

Federal introduced two new super-accurate Gold Medal Match target loads, developed in conjunction with renowned rimfire manufacturer RWS.

2009

Even as black rifles ruled the range, shooters looked back to the great days of high power rifle shooting at matches specifically for M1 and M1A rifles. Federal made the ammo.

2009

Experts scoffed, but buyers pounced on the Taurus Judge revolver, making it a smashing success. Federal soon had special 3-inch 410-bore shells optimized for use in it.

2011 — 2012

Combining a saboted Trophy Copper bullet with a 12-gauge shotshell gave slug hunters a leg up. This was a tremendous leap in effectiveness over existing slug loads.

2011 — 2012

Massive revolvers were all the rage in the early 2010s, and Federal offered Vital-Shok ammo in calibers like the 460 S&W Mag. for deer and even elk hunting by experienced handgunners.

2011 — 2012

Speed-Shok answered the call of many waterfowlers for higher-velocity steel shot ammunition.

2011 — 2012

The FLITECONTROL wad was way too good to be relegated to waterfowl loads alone. Fill it with No. 4, 5, or 6 lead shot, and you have a load that will reach out to the jumpiest pheasant.

2013

The 300 Blackout was one of the first cartridges designed for use with a suppressor, and American Eagle has a cartridge designed for maximum performance with a 'can' on your muzzle.

2013

Federal designed the original HST load for the police market where the FBI's ammunition protocols required deep penetration. Personal Defense HST was released to the commercial market in 2013. HST in 10mm Auto was added in 2018.

2014

Most everyone has access to a personal computer these days, and in 2014, Federal started to offer an online ballistic calculator that made ammo comparisons quick and easy.

2014

Can you really hunt with a muzzleloader at 200 yards? It's not even difficult when you load the Trophy Copper B.O.R. Lock muzzleloader bullet. It combines easy loading with exceptional accuracy.

2015 — 2016

Hunters love Modern Sporting Rifles for pursuing game like coyotes and feral hogs. Fusion ammo's combination of economy and effectiveness is just the thing for those pastimes.

2015 — 2016

Alliant Techsystems spun off its outdoor-oriented businesses into Vista Outdoor. This combined the greatest names in hunting and shooting into one coherent outdoor company

2015 — 2016

There are places that forbid lead bullets. If you're hunting in one, you give up nothing in performance with the Power-Shok Copper bullet. Accuracy and expansion are among the best.

2017

The name's deliberately ironic because Federal specifically aimed Non Typical at the typical deer hunter who wants accuracy, reliability, and on-target performance at a price they can afford.

2017

Long-range target shooting was the original idea behind the 224 Valkyrie, and nothing has yet matched it for that application in AR-platform Modern Sporting Rifles.

2018

The 450 Bushmaster answers the question: how big of a bullet can you shoot from an AR? It's great fun on the range and has real-world application as a woods deer-hunting cartridge.

2018

Combine the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad with a big charge of buffered, copper-plated shot, and you've got a load that will down the toughest tom at the longest distance: Grand Slam Turkey.

2018

Action pistol competition is all about banging steel plates, often at short distances. Syntech Action Pistol uses a Total Synthetic Jacket to reduce fouling and backsplatter from targets.

2019

With the cooperation of TV personality Steven Rinella, Federal launched the MeatEater line. The rifle ammunition features the polymer-tipped Trophy Copper bullet.

2019

With the 2020 Olympics on the way, Federal once again supported the U.S. Shooting Team with world-class competition ammunition. The results paid off for the team and for Federal.

2020

Whether you're putting your lever gun to work on bucks, bulls, or boars, HammerDown's molecularly bonded bullets are optimized for terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths.

2020

Terminal Ascent was the ultimate refinement of the Trophy Bonded line of Premium hunting bullets. It combined match-grade accuracy with an unequaled blend of penetration and expansion.

2020

At just 1 3/4-inch long, Federal Shorty shotshells let you load your magazine and shoot all day. Performance approaches that of full-size shells, and the fun is even greater.

2021 — 2022

Plastic wads revolutionized shotshells, but Federal looked to more natural ingredients with its new Paper Wad.

2021 — 2022

The latest Federal competition load destined for dominance is the High Over All. Its one-piece Podium wad soaks up recoil, and its tapered, one-piece hull makes reloading easier than ever.

2021 — 2022

Launched in 2022, the new 30 Super Carry cartridge bridges the largest performance gap in handgun self-defense. Its .312-inch projectile carries as much muzzle energy as 9mm Luger while allowing greater magazine capacity.

2021 — 2022

Sometimes, a 22 LR may be all you have. For those times, there's 22 Punch. The bullet is designed to stay together on impact, giving deep penetration.

2024

Federal Ammunition, along with all of the other ammunition brands in the Vista Outdoor portfolio, becomes a new standalone company, The Kinetic Group.

Original conception of the Federal plant in 1916. Initially, the Sherman brothers hoped to produce 175,000 shotshells a week, but that never happened under their watch.

Louie and Harry Sherman were the sort of nomadic inventors common in the early 20th century. They had obvious talents but never let the dust of any one place settle on them. Their role in Federal history was crucial but short.

First products of the new company are three Hi-Power shotshell loads: a short-brass Dixie load with black powder, Standard ammo with medium brass, and Ranger long brass.

Federal as we know it today is born when investors led by Charles Horn purchase the Anoka ammunition plant and establish the new Federal Cartridge Corporation.

Charles Horn was originally interested in Federal because he wanted to make paper tubes for air rifle shot. Federal offered BBs from the 1920s through the 1970s.

Company lore has it that Charles Horn himself posed in a red sweater and flat cap for the art that graced Federal target ammo into the 1950s.

Thwarted by competitors, Charles Horn builds distribution through unusual channels like barber shops, gas stations, hardware stores, dentists, and pool halls.

Federal's Hi-Power rimfire ammo was available in smokeless or the semi-smokeless Lesmok. Long and Short 22s were more popular than the 22 Long Rifle at this point.

Federal purchased the American Cartridge Company and moved it to Anoka from Kansas City. It eventually became the American Eagle brand still used today.

By 1926, Federal was offering a comprehensive line of shotshells and rimfire ammo. One load in each gauge was offered with blackpowder, handy for Damascus barrels.

Box labels were changed to a dark blue background with the iconic flying duck. End labels promoted the gunpowder featured in each load.

The brands on Federal shotshell packaging include: Dixie, Reliable, Monark, Favorite, and Hi-Power Oval, each indicating a recommended shooting or hunting application.

Federal makes house brand shotshells and rimfire ammo for Sears & Roebuck, the great Chicago rival of Montgomery Ward. Sta-Klean indicated non-corrosive priming.

Being your own boss was as compelling in 1928 as it is today, and Federal touted shotshells as a great money-maker for garages. By then, jobbers were happy to sell Federal ammo.

1928 saw the introduction of non-corrosive priming to the Federal rimfire line. Lesmok and smokeless powder were still available, Lesmok boxes being a lighter blue.

At this stage of Federal history, many machines were still driven by belts from a central jackshaft, requiring workers to move carefully around the factory floor.

Federal executive offices moved into the then-new Foshay Tower in Minneapolis, where they stayed until the 1980s. The building is now occupied by the W Hotel-Foshay.

By 1930, Federal was employing more than 500 workers, from a core of seven less than 10 years earlier. The Depression had relatively little effect at this point.

From the start, Federal was quickly a favorite shell of trap and skeet shooters. This is an early patch to commemorate shooting 100 straight targets with Hi-Power shotshells.

In 1931, Franklin W. Olin purchased a majority of Federal. He was the founder of Olin Corp. and Western Cartridge Co. and bought Winchester the same year.

Skeet shooting grew exponentially during the 1930s, and squads like the Forest Park Isaak Walton League team defied the Depression to pursue the then-new clay target sport.

Federal introduced its first skeet loads, designed specifically for the fast-growing shotgun sport. Federal used purple paper on regular skeet loads.

Through the contacts from Franklin Olin, Western Cartridge Co. began loading the 22 WRF for Federal. Though something of an oddball, it lasted into the 1950s.

The 22 BB cap was offered from 1932-1934. Note that the box states the priming is non-fouling, not non-corrosive. These little cartridges were notoriously dirty to use.

Avid conservationist Charles Horn helped institute the 4-H Club Conservation Program, and Federal became the first company to sponsor camps nationwide.

Even as early as the mid-1930s, Federal often called up professional shooters to promote its brand and products.

Advocacy from hunters, conservationists, and the hunting industry results in the launch of the Federal Duck Stamp. Billions have been raised since 1935.

Federal worked three shifts a day, and the day shift put in a half-day on Saturday. Regardless the shift, lunch was a half-hour. Federal's employee parking lot was a busy place.

The Airline brand was introduced in 1937 with red box (standard load) and blue box (Xcess Speed) versions. The line lasted until 1941 and has not been revived.

Then as now, waterfowlers wanted more power, so in 1937, Federal began offering 3-inch Magnum versions of the Hi-Power shell. The 3-inch 20-gauge came out in 1958.

The lingering effects of market hunting, the Dust Bowl, and land clearance for farming had all thinned the once unending waterfowl populations. Conservation was essential.

The German invasion of Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, had effects felt all the way to Anoka. Dealers were warned that metals shortages meant previous prices could not be honored.

Rifled slugs were introduced in 1940, replacing the round ball loads sold in the 1930s. They were offered in 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge, as well as in 410 bore for small game use. Both conventional boxes and five-packs could be had.

Federal introduces 'Wadless Crimp' shells with an eight-point folded crimp. Discerning shooters of the time wanted to know the powder brand, loaded in their shells, so these were obligingly marked 'Red Dot' or 'MX'.

Clarence Livgard was an omnipresent figure in early Federal history, both in the plant and in social activities. He won an Ordnance Banner for his war work in the 1940s.

Federal shipped more than 120 million shotshells and more than 337 million rimfires in 1940, for a total of 458,216,288 rounds. That number included a limited amount of 22 WRF and other products manufactured by Western.

March 3: The Federal board of directors accepts an order from the British government for 1.4 million mortar ignition shells, with an option to buy another 600,000. Federal officially joins the Allied cause in World War II.

Charles Horn, Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen, and U.S. Army Ordnance representatives break ground for the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant Aug. 28, 1941. The plant would produce ammunition for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

More than half the workers at Twin Cities Ordnance Plant were women, like forelady Peggy Johlfs, who presented President Franklin D. Roosevelt with .30 and .50 cartridges as he toured the plant in his famous open car Sept. 19, 1942.

Keeping the home front motivated was the job of the Office of War Information, which produced media to inform and encourage the population. Posters reminded factory workers their tasks were vital.

Federal's mortar ignition shell design goes into production. Resembling a short and stubby shotgun shell, it's inserted in the base of the mortar bomb. As the bomb slides down the tube, its primer impacts a firing pin, launching the bomb.

Shotshell production was greatly reduced but not ended during World War II. Federal loaded trap and skeet ammunition for training purposes throughout the war, many with unplated steel heads and boxes marked 'U.S. Property.'

Federal developed the disintegrating top wad, which was a hardened, thick powder that sealed the top of the shotshell. This greatly improved its patterning and performance. Before this, a thin disc of roll-crimped paperboard held the shot in place.

Federal turned innovative manufacturing of safety devices into Hoffman Engineering in 1947. The company, now nVent Hoffman, thrived through the 1980s and still makes safety equipment.

The standard-speed Monark (red box) and the high-speed Hi-Power (blue box) continued to be the rimfire packaging for the entire 1950s and into the following decade.

The 22 WRF, always a bit of an orphan, lost its place in the Federal line in 1950. The coonskin cap was always an anachronism for this obscure rimfire round.

Reloading became a huge hobby as shooters started loading for surplus arms. In 1951, Federal began offering centerfire primers that let those guns get back to shooting.

The Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, renamed Twin Cities Arsenal in 1946, was brought back for the Korean War. Here, workers test-fire ammo though belt-fed machine guns.

Packaging graphics used on target loads since 1930 were replaced by a shattering clay target in 1953.

The Monark was the Federal Cartridge Corp. employee publication, emblematic of the benevolent, paternalistic management culture of the 1950s.

The 2 3/4-inch magnum load introduced in 1954 packed a thumping 4 drams powder equivalent behind a full 1 1/2 ounces of lead shot. This would be a powerful load even today.

Separate trap and skeet loads were combined into Target Loads in 1955. The yellow and black box was retained. Folded crimps returned, though with six points.

Then as now, shotgunners craved more power, and Federal delivered with the 2 3/4-inch 12- and 16-gauge Standard Magnums. These were the days when lead shot was still allowed for waterfowl.

Machinery powered by belts from line shafts was steadily converted to utilize electric motors, making it safer for the worker and more reliable.

Patches or brassards were an important promotional item during the 1950s.

The 12-gauge 3-inch reappeared in 1957, followed almost immediately by the 3-inch 20-gauge in 1958. By this point, Federal was already considering new packaging designs.

Charles Horn emphasized firearms safety from the earliest days, and Federal produces safety posters for use by gun clubs, summer camps, and hunting lodges.

Federal got ready for the Swinging Sixties by testing several variations of a new box design, with the version shown at bottom right getting the nod.

Federal led the industry in introducing color-coded shotshells, helping to eliminate the '12-20 burst,' caused when a 20-gauge shell was dropped into a 12-gauge gun and followed with a 12-gauge shell.

By 1961, shotshell handloading was well-established. It was a bit more complicated than today: handloaders had to calculate the proper combination of card and cushion wads to produce the desired wad column.

After more than 40 years making shotshells and rimfire ammo, Federal adds centerfire rifle and handgun ammunition to the product line.

The 12-cartridge rifle lineup included familiar ones and others that have become obscure, like the 222 Rem. and 32 Win. Spl. Surplus rounds like the 7mm and 8mm Mausers and the 303 British were popular at the time.

Pistol shooters were not left out of the fun when centerfire ammo joined the Federal range. Both 38 Special wadcutter and 45 ACP hardball were offered.

Starting in the 1960s, child warnings were printed on all boxes. This was required by the government's Safety Commission.

The Monark Target load, with traditional card and fiber wads, was supplanted by the new Champion cartridge with a plastic wad. It produced much more effective target patterns by protecting the shot while it passed through the bore.

Federal introduces plastic shotshells. The wad column combined a plastic shot cup with a fiber cushion wad, joining old and new technology. In 1965, the 16-gauge rendered in purple was still an important market segment.

Target loads in the small gauges are offered as Monark Target. Not many competitors were using 16-gauge by this point, but the 20-and 28-gauges and 410 bore were used in skeet.

In 1967, the well-established Monark and Hi-Power rimfire boxes gave way to an all-red box for both lines. The 22 Short was still popular, and Federal made a round for international rapid-fire pistol shooting.

By 1968, the Champion could be had with paper hull or a new all-plastic hull that dispensed with the fiber base wad of earlier plastic shells for better reloading.

By the end of the decade, shotgunners could choose traditional card and fiber wads or join the movement to plastic wads like the Champion Pellet Protector.

Promotional loads in Game and Duck & Pheasant packaging are introduced. Promotional loads allow Federal to offer separate lines for gun dealers and discount stores.

The Pushin'-Cushion wad is introduced. The recoil-absorbing center section helps relieve punishment when shoot-offs go on for hours in big tournaments.

Centerfire rifle cartridges began being offered in plastic cartridge carriers. These could be threaded onto any belt or carried in a pocket to keep rounds clean and secure.

The duck has been a symbol of Federal since the beginning, and an ad from the 1970s offered the perfect recipe, combining Federal shotshells for getting the duck and sherry for cooking it.

Hi-Power 100s start the trend of rimfire cartridges in a plastic box with sliding lid. These made it easy to access five rounds in the field or on the range.

The paper-hulled Champion was an instant success in the 1960s and remained so for years. It was supplemented in 1972 by the Champion II, with a very reloadable one-piece plastic hull.

Federal led the way with the introduction of steel shot waterfowl ammo in 1973. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service didn't require non-toxic shot to prevent lead ingestion by waterbirds until the 1990s.

Federal was hardly immune to the lure of 1970s color schemes, as can be seen in the packaging of Power-Flite rimfire ammo for small game hunting. New package designs came quickly.

An accurate standard-velocity 22 is a rimfire product almost everyone can use, and Federal borrowed the Champion name from the shotshell line for a popular target round.

League and Special Target addressed two different audiences. League was an economical load for practice, while Special Target used fiber wads for wider patterns in skeet shooting.

Famed trick shooter Tom Frye used Federal ammunition for many years and in 1975 used Federal 22 Shorts to make this image, shooting freehand with no outline on the target.

Under the leadership of Bill Stevens, Federal took a leading role in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, which since then has taught thousands of youngsters to enjoy safe shooting.

You might not expect an ammo manufacturer to promote handloading, but in 1976, Federal would throw in a case of Pushin'-Cushion wads with every case of League target shells bought.

A huge milestone in Federal history was the introduction of Premium ammunition, which combined the best components from every source with precision manufacturing techniques.

The introduction of steel shot induced a revival of the long-dormant 10-gauge. With 2 ounces of shot, 3 1/2-inch magnum loads were effective hunting loads, though not for the recoil-shy hunter.

The man who personified Federal Cartridge Corp. for more than 55 years died in 1978 at the age of 90. Charles L. Horn was an industrialist, conservationist, and philanthropist.

Camouflage started to be cool in the late 1970s, and Federal was keen to use it in packaging, as on this box for 20-gauge American Eagle shotshells.

With obvious reference to the Olympics of that year, Federal introduced the Gold Medal target load. The recoil-dampening 12S3 wad and a one-piece plastic hull made it both a pleasure to shoot and a breeze to reload.

In the 1980s, the Federal Premium line of ammunition continued strong, which helped Federal ammo get into large dealers that never carried the brand before. These new dealers greatly helped grow Federal's overall business.

Federal produced specially marked shells for the Ducks Unlimited banquet fundraising program, marking the beginning of several support relationships with conservation groups.

Federal's original private brand customer, Montgomery Ward, got out of the ammunition business in 1981, after almost 60 years of selling Federal-produced shotshells and rimfire cartridges.

Hyper-velocity rimfires were all the rage in the early 1980s, and Federal was part of the trend with the colorfully named and packaged Lightning and Spitfire loads.

Better bullets and manufacturing gave the 22 Win. Mag. a new burst of popularity in the 1980s, and Federal was on board, offering the fast-stepping rimfire in distinctive packaging.

If you lived in a buckshot zone and wanted the ultimate in stopping power, you could select the 10-gauge Federal Premium load with 18 pellets of 00 Buck - twice the usual 12-gauge load.

In the organization's first year, Federal becomes a supporter of Pheasants Forever and also joins forces with the National Wild Turkey Federation, continuing a long tradition.

Why endure more recoil than you need to when shooting clay targets? That was the idea when Extra-Lite loads were introduced in 1985. They made shooting a lot more pleasant.

Heavyweight Magnum fulfilled the desire of hunters for maximum charge weight with a full 2-ounce load of lead shot. Recoil, of course, was proportional.

Nyclad pistol cartridges allow safer indoor shooting practice by containing lead dust in a nylon envelope. They immediately became popular with law enforcement agencies.

If regular slugs just weren't enough for you, Federal added 3-inch Hi-Shok 12-gauge slugs in 1986. The longer shells provided an additional 70 fps velocity.

As befits a company that long used the duck as its symbol, Federal began supporting Ducks Unlimited's efforts to conserve and increase wildfowl habitat in North America.

Most think of Premium as a rifle brand, but in 1987, Federal added new No. 1 and No. 000 buckshot loads to the Premium shotshell line. They had buffered, copper-plated shot.

Pentair, of Arden Hills, Minn., a diversified industrial company with a specialization in hand tools, acquired FC Holdings, the parent company of Federal and Hoffman Engineering.

Top Gun was the target load for the shooter who was looking to stretch their ammo dollar without sacrificing performance.

The former Special Target loads, with paper hulls and fiber wads, were rebranded in 1988 for the fast-growing discipline of sporting clays where their large patterns paid off.

The 10-gauge was just too big for a lot of shooters, spurring development of the 3 1/2-inch 12-gauge. It was more conventionally sized but could hold big loads of steel shot.

Several shotshell lines were consolidated under the name 'Classic' with sophisticated blue and gray pinstriped packaging. Target ammo retained its own designations.

Was it worthwhile for Federal to offer the 470 Nitro Express? Turns out it was. Its availability made it dominant among new-build African rifles into the 1990s and beyond.

The late 1980s were a time of furious innovation in law enforcement pistol loads, and Federal led the pack with the Hydra-Shok line of bullets that combined expansion and penetration.

The Persian Gulf War caused planners to consider reestablishing production at Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The conflict was over so quickly that the idea was shelved.

To offer an even more economical package to the value-minded shooter, American Eagle ammo is heavily promoted in the 1992 catalog.

The style of the 1990s demanded a classic look, so Federal ammo was soon boxed in pinstriped packaging that reflected the refined aesthetics of the times.

Gold Medal UltraMatch rimfire cartridges power Launi Meili's gold medal in smallbore rifle at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, validating Federal's commitment to precision ammo.

Federal has always been about supporting the dealer, and this shotshell-shaped ammo selector let the customer learn about Federal offerings right on the retail floor.

Premium Trophy Bonded ammunition spotlighted the 1994 Federal catalog. Federal's acquisition of the Trophy Bonded brand brought the most modern bullet technology in-house.

BallistiClean ammo was especially useful for law enforcement agencies conducting training in shoot houses, which were proliferating in the 1990s. It greatly reduced harmful compounds.

Distinctive Tactical ammo was offered in rifle, pistol, and slug configurations beginning in 1995. Packaging reflected the Classic design emphasis of other Federal lines.

Federal's support of the shooting sports wasn't confined to summer games. U.S. Biathlon athlete Kara Hermanson-Salmela was backed by Federal ammo and technical support.

Self defense is the reason most people own pistols and revolvers, so why not offer ammo named that way? Personal Defense ammo offered jacketed hollow points in nickeled cases.

Federal is acquired by Blount Industries, primarily a maker of chainsaws and other logging equipment that had previously purchased Federal competitor, CCI.

Shotshell patterning is the best way to know if your shotgun shoots straight and how large a pattern it prints at a given distance. Federal offered a kit to make the process easy.

If BallistiClean was good for law enforcement training with centerfire pistols, why not for rimfires? Indoor rimfire shooters got their shot at non-toxic loads with BallistiClean 22s.

Personal Defense ammo, using Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow-point bullets, was offered in a distinctive new package that highlighted the effective Hydra-Shok bullet design and a tamper-proof plastic box.

The breakup of the Soviet Union greatly reduced the price of tungsten, allowing Federal to offer tungsten-iron loads that offered lead performance in a non-toxic cartridge.

An alternative to tungsten-iron was tungsten-polymer, a material that allows hunters who shoot classic shotguns to use tungsten shot without worrying about barrel damage.

Australian manufacturer Woodleigh was well-known for its dangerous-game bullets even before it teamed up with Federal to offer Premium ammo with its robust Weldcore bullet.

Federal joined with Barnes Bullets to offer the Expander all-copper saboted slug load. The new slug offered a combination of expansion and penetration and was non-toxic, to boot.

Duck and goose hunters of the time were all about getting more energy on target using higher velocity, and Federal was on the case with Classic Heavy High Velocity (HHV) Steel ammo.

Federal promotional, discount loads often had packaging that separated itself from the standard and Premium product lines.

In 2001, Federal introduced an Expanding Full Metal Jacket (EFMJ) handgun round. This uniquely designed round featured a scored full-metal nose, encapsulating a rubber tip that collapses upon impact.

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) purchased Federal and immediately invested in marketing as well as research and development. These moves greatly helped the brand grow in the commercial, law enforcement, and military markets.

Federal Ammunition is rebranded in general as Federal Premium, with the different families designated by a name ending in 'Shok', a term established by Hi-Shok and Hydra-Shok ammo.

Winning performance on the range requires lots of practice, so Federal offered Champion handgun target loads, letting avid shooters stock up for time behind the trigger.

In 2005, Federal introduced its Premium TruBall, which became the most accurate smoothbore slug on the market.

Power-Shok took the place in the line once occupied by Hi-Power: a conventional load for the economy-minded hunter looking for reliable performance at a popular price.

In 2004, 17 HMR was hot, and Federal launched two new loads for it.

The first rifle cartridge with Federal in its name rolled out in 2006. Developed in cooperation with Sako, the 338 Federal offered a step up in power and penetration from the 308 Win.

Fusion technology was too good to be confined to rifle cartridges, so Federal gave handgun hunters access, too. The 454 Casull is a potent revolver round that's perfect for use with the Fusion bullet.

Federal launches the 327 Federal in cooperation with Ruger. The new cartridge is a lengthened 32 H&R Mag. and provides effective defensive performance in smaller-caliber revolvers.

At the other end of the power spectrum, the 460 S&W is added to the Vital-Shok line. This round is for hunting large and dangerous game with a revolver and has the power for the job.

Federal has provided millions in support for conservation groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation through royalty programs that donate a portion of each box's profit to deserving groups.

In 2007, Black Cloud introduced a new Premium waterfowl load that changed the game for waterfowl hunting ammunition and set a higher bar in performance and effectiveness.

Federal's more than a quarter-century of support to Pheasants Forever paid off with improved habitat and hunting opportunities throughout the country.

No lead? No problem! The Barnes Triple Shock X showed an all-copper bullet could expand as effectively as any multi-part type while maintaining the deep penetration copper solids are known for.

Famed hunter, television personality, cultural commentator, and evangelist Phil Robertson, the Duck Commander, appeared in special edition packaging of Black Cloud in 2008.

Federal introduces the HST line of law enforcement ammunition. Designed to maximize performance in the FBI Test Protocol, it combines deep penetration and reliable expansion.

Federal introduced two new super-accurate Gold Medal Match target loads, developed in conjunction with renowned rimfire manufacturer RWS.

Even as black rifles ruled the range, shooters looked back to the great days of high power rifle shooting at matches specifically for M1 and M1A rifles. Federal made the ammo.

Experts scoffed, but buyers pounced on the Taurus Judge revolver, making it a smashing success. Federal soon had special 3-inch 410-bore shells optimized for use in it.

Combining a saboted Trophy Copper bullet with a 12-gauge shotshell gave slug hunters a leg up. This was a tremendous leap in effectiveness over existing slug loads.

Massive revolvers were all the rage in the early 2010s, and Federal offered Vital-Shok ammo in calibers like the 460 S&W Mag. for deer and even elk hunting by experienced handgunners.

Speed-Shok answered the call of many waterfowlers for higher-velocity steel shot ammunition.

The FLITECONTROL wad was way too good to be relegated to waterfowl loads alone. Fill it with No. 4, 5, or 6 lead shot, and you have a load that will reach out to the jumpiest pheasant.

The 300 Blackout was one of the first cartridges designed for use with a suppressor, and American Eagle has a cartridge designed for maximum performance with a 'can' on your muzzle.

Federal designed the original HST load for the police market where the FBI's ammunition protocols required deep penetration. Personal Defense HST was released to the commercial market in 2013. HST in 10mm Auto was added in 2018.

Most everyone has access to a personal computer these days, and in 2014, Federal started to offer an online ballistic calculator that made ammo comparisons quick and easy.

Can you really hunt with a muzzleloader at 200 yards? It's not even difficult when you load the Trophy Copper B.O.R. Lock muzzleloader bullet. It combines easy loading with exceptional accuracy.

Hunters love Modern Sporting Rifles for pursuing game like coyotes and feral hogs. Fusion ammo's combination of economy and effectiveness is just the thing for those pastimes.

Alliant Techsystems spun off its outdoor-oriented businesses into Vista Outdoor. This combined the greatest names in hunting and shooting into one coherent outdoor company

There are places that forbid lead bullets. If you're hunting in one, you give up nothing in performance with the Power-Shok Copper bullet. Accuracy and expansion are among the best.

The name's deliberately ironic because Federal specifically aimed Non Typical at the typical deer hunter who wants accuracy, reliability, and on-target performance at a price they can afford.

Long-range target shooting was the original idea behind the 224 Valkyrie, and nothing has yet matched it for that application in AR-platform Modern Sporting Rifles.

The 450 Bushmaster answers the question: how big of a bullet can you shoot from an AR? It's great fun on the range and has real-world application as a woods deer-hunting cartridge.

Combine the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad with a big charge of buffered, copper-plated shot, and you've got a load that will down the toughest tom at the longest distance: Grand Slam Turkey.

Action pistol competition is all about banging steel plates, often at short distances. Syntech Action Pistol uses a Total Synthetic Jacket to reduce fouling and backsplatter from targets.

With the cooperation of TV personality Steven Rinella, Federal launched the MeatEater line. The rifle ammunition features the polymer-tipped Trophy Copper bullet.

With the 2020 Olympics on the way, Federal once again supported the U.S. Shooting Team with world-class competition ammunition. The results paid off for the team and for Federal.

Whether you're putting your lever gun to work on bucks, bulls, or boars, HammerDown's molecularly bonded bullets are optimized for terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths.

Terminal Ascent was the ultimate refinement of the Trophy Bonded line of Premium hunting bullets. It combined match-grade accuracy with an unequaled blend of penetration and expansion.

At just 1 3/4-inch long, Federal Shorty shotshells let you load your magazine and shoot all day. Performance approaches that of full-size shells, and the fun is even greater.

Plastic wads revolutionized shotshells, but Federal looked to more natural ingredients with its new Paper Wad.

The latest Federal competition load destined for dominance is the High Over All. Its one-piece Podium wad soaks up recoil, and its tapered, one-piece hull makes reloading easier than ever.

Launched in 2022, the new 30 Super Carry cartridge bridges the largest performance gap in handgun self-defense. Its .312-inch projectile carries as much muzzle energy as 9mm Luger while allowing greater magazine capacity.

Sometimes, a 22 LR may be all you have. For those times, there's 22 Punch. The bullet is designed to stay together on impact, giving deep penetration.

Federal Ammunition, along with all of the other ammunition brands in the Vista Outdoor portfolio, becomes a new standalone company, The Kinetic Group.

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