First Look: Federal Premium Adds Four New Handgun Loads

Federal Premium, the largest ammo maker in the US, has added four new handgun caliber lines for 2021. Several new product line extensions in Hydra-Shok Deep, Punch, Syntech Range and more will be manufactured and delivered to dealers throughout the year.

“In addition to launching new 2021 products, we are also continuing to stay focused on marketing the new products launched a year ago, such as our Solid Core and American Eagle IRT Lead Free ammo,” said Federal's Handgun Product Line Manager Chris Laack. “Solid Core is intended for hunting and protection against dangerous animals.

The deep-penetrating, hard Solid Core bullet holds together while blowing through bone, and its Syntech jacket reduces friction and leading. American Eagle IRT utilizes lead-free bullets and the Catalyst lead-free primer to offer the same shelf life and ballistics of conventional range ammo. It’s an ideal solution for those shooting at an indoor range that requires lead-free ammunition.”

While .380 ACP and .38 Special rounds may be nearly impossible to find right now, that may be changing in those two calibers and in 10 mm for 2021 with new Syntech Range loads that use the TSJ polymer jacket to eliminate metal fouling and drastically reduce damaging barrel heat and friction. Syntech ammunition offers a smoother, cleaner and safer experience when training and having fun at the range.

Hydra-Shok hollow points offer a unique penetration model, thanks to a post embedded in the cavity of the round. New for 2021 in .380 and .38 Special, these loads unlock the potential of smaller cartridges. They utilize Hydra-Shok Deep’s robust center post and compact core to consistently penetrate beyond the FBI-recommended 12-inch minimum through bare gel and heavy clothing.

The A-Frame Jacketed Hollow Point bullet has a bonded front half which expands consistently across a broad velocity range, while the back half remains intact for deep penetration. This bullet is ideal for hunting with handguns.

Punch .22 LR uses a deep-penetrating bullet that makes the popular rimfire cartridge a viable self-defense option, while the 10 mm Auto load’s jacketed hollow point produces the best expansion and penetration in the category.