BEST EVER!? 44 Magnum Federal HammerDown 270gr Ballistics Gel Ammo Test

Become a Channel Member! / @masonleather_outdoors 44 Remington Magnum Federal Hammerdown 270 grain JSP ammo ballistics gel test fired from a Ruger 96/44 lever action with 18 inch barrel.
Range gear: masonoutdoors.com
Leather gear: www.masonleath...
All shots are fired from a distance of 50 yards to encompass the majority of common real world hunting scenarios.
I will be shooting into 10% ballistics gel from www.clearballi... that has been calibrated to meet the FBI ballistics testing protocol.
While ballistics gel isn’t an exact proxy for big game, small game, predators or defensive situations, it does provide a repeatable medium through which to test various bullets and ammunitions against each other.
With each type of ammo tested I collect data on bullet penetration depth, bullet weight retention, bullet expansion and muzzle velocity.
For reference, bullet expansion is measured at the widest expanded point using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper.
Bullet weight is measured using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Scale after having removed as much ballistics gel as possible from the expanded bullets.
Bullet velocity is measured using a ProChronoPal chronograph set approximately 7’ from the shooting bench.
I am fully aware that a chronograph measuring bullet velocity from 7’ away from the muzzle is going to register a slower velocity than if velocity were measured directly at the muzzle, but that difference is going to be so small as to be all but irrelevant in regards to comparison of actual measured velocity versus factory stated velocity.
My goal with these ballistics gel tests is to provide hunters like you and I with the most objective information possible to help us make the best choice for our particular hunting situation.
The results of these tests are my own and I cannot guarantee the same or similar performance on your part. The views and opinions expressed in this video are solely my own.
All videos are filmed in a safe and controlled environment on a private range with all applicable safety precautions by a trained professional.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Get the best range and outdoor gear here! www.masonoutdoors.com Get your handmade leather gear here! www.masonleather.com Let me know what you think about the video and please share, it’s a big help! Visiting the websites above directly supports the channel and helps me bring you more awesome videos!

[@oncall21]

29” penetration! That is insane on that shot! Great review and thanks for sharing Mason. 🙏

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Thanks for your support! Indeed, this is a very interesting load I hope to use on game.

[@asclark0970]

So my question is, out of all the 44 mag that you have tested. Which one would you take into the deer woods to bring a buck down? Hammer down looks amazing but to be honest, that Winchester white box was freaking amazing.

[@robertotto5811]

You'll never need anything more than that Winchester white box.

[@rangetime6779]

Great test with amazing results for such a heavy bullet. Federal's bonded bullet did great.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Absolutely

[@MattC-eo6ep]

I would love to see the .44 Mag Federal Fusion 240 gr bonded soft point. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@FrankDAgostino77]

Buffalo Bore loads these Speer 270 grain bullets as well. Much better performance than I expected from 44 magnum! Thanks for the video!

[@johnnorman7708]

This load is really getting solidly into big bore magic zone. Not all that far behind .45-70 standard pressure 300 grain ammo. 30 grains of weight and 100 FPS ain't that much in numbers. And its doing it from a light carbine at that.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Absolutely

[@Yoopermanbeau]

And a lot less recoil than 45-70

[@bestestusername]

We pay nearly $80 a box for this stuff in Australia and we have not used it yet for game but its good to see its going to perform, very nice indeed. Out of a marlin 44mag

[@stevenhumes7852]

Thought you all could not own guns?

[@bestestusername]

@stevenhumes7852 nah we can have guns just no semi auto unless a farmer or contract shooters. Only one state western Australia is super restrictive the rest are ok

[@Marcus-jg4jb]

I've been looking for a box of this ammo line for 357 for a while, it is hard to find though! Great results, I'll have to keep looking.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Hopefully it becomes more available

[@mcburcke]

Speer used to make that exact same round several years ago, and was a great carbine load. Speer discontinued it; glad to see that Federal is making an identical load again.

[@johnnorman7708]

Impressive stuff for a handgun cartridge. I would expect excellent results on game at sub 100 yards. The weight combined with the velocity and bonded bullet design is working real well. I would say the bullet is pretty much a Fusion/ Gold Dot/Deep Curl type. Essentially all similar technologies. Zero weight loss is really magic stuff.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Good stuff

[@jasonrichardson9260]

I have this rifle!! I'll definitely be looking for this ammunition for it. Thanks for what you do 🙏🙏

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@patrickseekins1299]

Love your 96/44. Got mine threaded and great with suppressor.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

It’s a classic!

[@frankrodriguez9697]

I thank you for your time and effort.

[@PaulMooneyOutdoors]

Can you test the 45 colt version?

[@mogulrider]

Holy crap. Look at that expansion.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Indeed

[@averageaussieshooter9696]

Excellent results, love my Winchester 44Mag. Another great review!!!👍

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! Please share this video, it’s a big help! And visit my website www.masonleather.com, I’d be honored to make you something and it helps me keep these videos coming for you!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Great stuff. I wouldn't hesitate on deer, hog, bear. Thank you.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@dsmvr4]

Love the work you do 👍

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@garrettschienschang7898]

The only federal 44 I’ve ever played with is the 240 hydra shock which I occasionally edc. These seemed to do great from a rifle may have to get some.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Good stuff

[@claiborneeastjr4129]

That bullet looks suspiciously like the Speer 270 JSP bullet. I have loaded them for my various 44 mag. revolvers, plus my 444 Marlin. It is an excellent performer. Great video.

[@johnparker9139]

If you want to test another 44 mag ammo. The bear creek ballistics 44 mag 162 grain all cooper are pretty wicked

[@masonleather_outdoors]

I’m doing everything, literally

[@johnparker9139]

@@masonleather_outdoors keep up the good work. Thank you for your videos.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Check out the ballistic data on the Bear Creek 162 grain round. Ft. Lbs. Of energy drops off very quickly. Just barely adequate for deer at 100 yds.

[@richardpugliese3391]

Great video Mason . Very informative as always . Thank you for sharing with us firearm enthusiasts.

[@amberbailey19991]

can you do some hornady video 225 ftx and 240 xtp is all i can find. would love to see what it does in gel compared to the other test you have done.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Yes when I get to it

[@Frog13799]

Impressive, would love to see how the 44mag Swift A frames perform

[@masonleather_outdoors]

If they weren’t ridiculously expensive I’d be more inclined to try them

[@nelhead4807]

Federal hammer down is one of my top picks in any caliber they make it in.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Its good stuff

[@katolikkreacija3828]

Can you do the same gel test for a 357 Magnum Federal Hammerdown 170 grain fired from a lever action?

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Yes, I have tons of 357 loads I’ll be doing including HammerDown

[@katolikkreacija3828]

@@masonleather_outdoors Excellent. Thank you. If that would not be a problem for you, after those 357 tests, if you have experience with hunting with a 357 magnum, advise people what can be hunted with it and at what distances. Here in the EU, the hunting rules and laws are different and stricter, so a lot of people don't know how effective some caliber are.

[@bradstephens4915]

Do you plan to test the Hammerdown in 357?

[@anton1949]

Looks like Speer 270 grain.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

May be

[@williambehrend5452]

270 deep curl bullets

[@WayStedYou]

@@masonleather_outdoors deep curl 270 grain, we use the 240 grain soft point deep curls in handloads

[@Jason-nt5gr]

I confirmed with Federal and these ARE the 270gr Speer Deep Curl FP. Problem is that Speer isn’t making them right now which is why it is hard to find this ammo. It shoots great out of my Henry Big Boy steel. I am hoarding the last few boxes that I have until they make more. Winchester White Box 240gr FP is my backup until then.

[@markknox182]

Awesome , informative videos ! Keep up the great work !

[@TODinWY]

Hey Mason. If you get a chance to switch to 20% I think it would be a good idea. Also, there is furniture being thrown out that has faux leather covering that would mimic animal skin. Just a thought. I have some that I could send you a sample of. Good review!

[@allendismuke7607]

Great load I will be buying some. Thanks for the great test video

[@bryantitus6634]

I think you should test the hornady custom 240gr xtp. It's one of the go to staple rounds for the 44 mag in both carbines and longer barreled revolvers. I won't spoil the results, but I get pretty spicy velocities from it in both my 7.5" super Blackhawk and my 16" carbine. And that projectile is also loaded as a pretty common saboted round for .50 cal muzzleloaders. Which with 100 gr of powder runs very similar velocities to carbine 44 mag loads do. Dual purpose ammo test in that sense.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

I’m doing everything

[@thebajablaster222]

How do you always manage to read my mind when I’m researching a new deer bullet to use lol. Hornady leverevolution finally has a competitor I’m gonna have to try some

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Haha 💯

[@DerpyTurtle0762]

Been religiously checking Speer's website on the daily for *any* of their .429" bullets, I want some these 270gr Deepcurls so bad...

[@currituck]

I'm pretty sure the Hammerdown is a Fusion bullet repackaged and re named for lever actions. Either way, both great ammo!

[@al01100]

Have you tested the 240gr fusion load? Im assuming you have but i can't find it

[@benjaminbrown1179]

Speer gold dots are the stuff deer have daymares about.

[@ejsocci2630]

Another awesome video and that is a beautiful bullet

[@mkshffr4936]

Would be really interesting to see how they do in a pistola.

[@michaelhollier]

Great info. Way to Go!!

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@peytonnorris7244]

ATL arms makes a speer deep curle 240 gr that would be interesting to see!

[@rynerenzaglia8006]

Looks like great stuff

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Definitely

[@scottarthurjr.1818]

This bullet is the flat nose version of the Deep Curl Gold Dot.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

💯

[@DaveL9170]

Stuff is awesome.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

I like it

[@DaveL9170]

@@masonleather_outdoors my father used this exact ammo in a 20 inch Marlin .44. It jellied the inside of a 440 pound cow elk.

[@razdog76]

I just discovered your channel and by chance have a Ruger 96 with a Leupold. This year I wanted to experiment using cast Semi-Wadcutters. I have some coated 240 gr, but yet to load them. Any chance you would test something similar?

[@Milwaukee307]

Have you tried Hornady xtp hollow points in 44 mag? I bought a few hundred rounds a couple years ago and really want to hunt with it.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

They’re pretty good

[@frederickemmerick7730]

I wonder if the Saami pressures are standard, are they safe from a REDHAWK, and T/C Contender super 14 ?

[@matthewspeller]

Looks a lot like Speer Gold Dots - they make a 270gr.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Maybe so

[@MattC-eo6ep]

Great test. This ammo is nasty!

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@fedup3582]

I like your rifle and scope choice. You should take this ammo and do some hunting videos!!!

[@masonleather_outdoors]

It’s a fun setup

[@xXKingReptarXx]

Dude…That’s a sweet rifle

[@masonleather_outdoors]

💯

[@garytrainer1690]

My God I love that rifle. Looks like some gel bouncing bombers! Hmmm. Strange wound channels.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

The 96/44 is pretty awesome, only gripe is how funky the mag release can be

[@garytrainer1690]

Agreed. Actually part of the reason I sold mine. It was years ago but I regret it constantly.

[@eddiexoc8430]

Good info.

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@peytonnorris7244]

Seriously jealous of that rifle!

[@Grooove_e]

Id love to see how this stuff does out of a revolver

[@DouglasPrice-p9q]

... how come all your guns look like they just came out of the box? ... that Ruger 96 looks brand new and they haven't made them in years ... no scratches or blemishes ... you must wrap them in a blanket when you're hunting

[@kyadak]

I wonder how these would do in a 6” revolver?

[@scottythebody0811]

Great video

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Glad to be of service!

[@KarlBAndersen]

How does this expansion in gel relate to expansion in a deer?

[@JamesMcCrossen-u9m]

Just shot a doe with these today and not impressed. Did not have a pass through and no blood trail. Good thing I seen the direction the deer went. Found her 60 yards from where I shot.

[@thomastevelde8547]

Did you hit shoulder?

[@JamesMcCrossen-u9m]

​@thomastevelde8547 no double lung

[@thomastevelde8547]

@@JamesMcCrossen-u9m what bullit and what distance? No bone no pass through?

[@JamesMcCrossen-u9m]

Federal hammer down out of a m77 deer was about 40 yards and that's correct not shoulder shot and no pass through

[@thomastevelde8547]

@ wow am I over estimating 44mag?

[@SolomonsOutdoorReviews]

Try double tap 300 grain nosler ammo

[@cw2a]

Yup years ago Speer offerred a 27 that was flat awesome!!! Like all to often Speer dropped it. STUPID!!! We all lost the best 44 mag hunting bullet made! ❤

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Good stuff always seems to get canned

[@jackyhallmark3094]

Someone needs to start making a repeating rifle in 44 mag that isnt a damned lever gun. A good bolt action with an adjustable trigger would be great as would a pump or semi auto.

[@hakokiri3627]

Ruger 77/44

[@fortyfiveacp6939]

🔥🔥

[@masonleather_outdoors]

💯

[@robertblumer2578]

Federal and Speer are owned by the same Company.

[@Ruger44Carbine]

I fear cracking the receiver of my.44 Ruger deerstalker if I go over 1600 🤗

[@masonleather_outdoors]

That would be bad

[@normanphair8488]

I shoot the 3030 hammer down, and it is a hammer

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Absolutely

[@joebob4609]

Winchester platinum

[@masonleather_outdoors]

I’m going platinum

[@wolfpack3914]

First to enjoy

[@masonleather_outdoors]

💯

[@ronjones1414]

No elk or moose would be happy with that at all.

[@peterschmidt2849]

❤️‍🔥🤙🏻😎🇺🇸

[@Simon-talks]

Mason Dixon

[@masonleather_outdoors]

Charlie Daniels