Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For lever-action shooters and hunters, the Federal Premium HammerDown 45 Colt load brings engineered velocities and terminal performance tailored to the classic platform. 45 Colt HammerDown ammo addresses the unique demands of tubular magazine feeding and the barrel lengths common to lever guns — this is not repurposed handgun ammunition. The 250-grain bonded jacketed soft point exits at 1400 feet per second, generating 1088 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Federal Premium developed this cartridge in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms to eliminate the feeding issues and inconsistent expansion that plague standard 45 Colt loads in lever rifles.
Performance Profile
The bonded construction locks the lead core to the jacket, preventing separation on heavy bone and deep penetration scenarios common in hog and deer hunting. The soft point nose initiates expansion rapidly while the molecular bond retains weight — Federal Premium engineered this projectile geometry for optimal performance at the velocities produced by 20- to 24-inch lever gun barrels, not the 5- to 7-inch barrels of revolvers. The nickel-plated case reduces friction during feeding and resists corrosion in field conditions. Boxer primers and reloadable brass extend the utility of each case beyond the first firing.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 250 grains |
| Bullet type | Bonded jacketed soft point |
| Muzzle velocity | 1400 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1088 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
This load sits in the middle of the 45 long colt ammo velocity spectrum — faster than cowboy action loads, slower than full-house +P handgun rounds, and purpose-built for the 20- to 24-inch barrels common to lever rifles.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearms safety at all times.
- Verify current state and local ammunition laws before ordering — some jurisdictions restrict lead-core projectiles or require additional permits.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — handle fired cases with care and wash hands after range sessions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.