LEVER vs HAMMER!...30-30 Hornady Lever Evolution & Federal Premium HammerDown AMMO Test!

[@Mbartel500]

It is a glowing testament to this fantastic 128 year old cartridge, that it is still very popular, and very capable of putting meat on the table. I'm so glad the ammo companies are continuing to develop the full potential of this old workhorse. Federal for the win on this test. What an awesome load they bring to the table.👍👍👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Absolutely.😎👍

[@jbrown6030]

Seems like perfect round for Deer.

[@isaaccutlip5815]

I just inherited one

[@JeffreyCotle]

I've used my Winchester 94 in Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Alaska. Maine. I've taken deer,moose, caribou , coyote I'm a 30-30 hunter for life. I got mine in 1978 for Christmas. It cost 98 dollars. I found the box after moving home from Alaska in 2004. .I would not sellu Winchester for a million dollars. You could not haul the meat in a truck.. if a 30-30 won't work for. You. Become a true hunter..

[@rogerjohnson6733]

Some fragmentation isn't necessarily a bad thing. I always try to stay away from the shoulder and go for a double lung 🫁 shot on Whitetails. You aren't going to lose very much meat at all and the fragmentation contributes to the wounding and shock effect especially when it comes to double lung 🫁 shots. If I were hunting black bear I would want the hammer down load though to be honest. Just my opinion on the matter. Excellent job Brian, really appreciate all the work you do to help me make a informed decision on which ammo is best suited for the job at hand 👍👍👍

[@michaelegert1284]

Your ballistic gel is the most clear on youtube. Its just amazing to see the wound cavity so clear on every test you do. Big thanks for your work😊👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@mot0rhe4d40]

The Deer jelly test is the most accurate, little more messy though 😆👍 Tools does do us right 👍

[@phild9813]

I think part of it too is the natural lighting at his range :)

[@roosterboy7357]

Him and Mason Leather

[@roosterboy7357]

Him and Mason Leather

[@kevincolonel3070]

The bonded bullets hold up well. The Leverevolution is designed for better performance at longer distances. I've seen gel block tests where the Leverevolution does not fragment at all , these were shot at 100, 150, and 200yds. It's superior BC will deliver as much energy at 300yds as the hammer down will at 200yds.

[@Chris-liwymi]

Every time I see the 3030 in action I’m impressed it is such a well performing cartridge

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@JeffreyCotle]

And not just for deer. Fine for bear, caribou,moose, shoot straight and be with in 200 yds. Mine has a 1-5 Leupold scope side mounted. Awsome hunting rifle. It's so popular here in Pennsylvania. If you don't handload you better start looking for ammo all year long. It sells out almost as soon as shipment comes to gun shops.

[@tldnr]

Many people have said it before and I’m just going to echo this sentiment. If you’re not the best person on KZbin doing the ammunition testing right now I don’t know who is. Thank you for the quality content, the good entertainment, and the great information.

[@JeffreyCotle]

Hi from Pennsylvania. Now you're shooting one of the best hunting cartridges ever made. Ive used my Winchester 94 since 1978. When i got it for Christmas. I found the box a receipt when i moved back home after 18 years in Alaska. It cost 98 dollars brand new. She has never failed. And has a side mount Leupold 1-5 scope. I wouldn't trade for a . million dollars. We going deer hunting Saturday after Thanksgiving. With 6 deer tags. I use 170 grn power point.. good bless.😊

[@nicholasbrosseau3405]

Did the math. 1978 $98 is $478 today. Shoot. Take us back

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The feature Hornady offers here is the bullet shape that will cut the air better at range, retaining energy further out. Otherwise, yes I'd prefer the bonded bullet and the lack of fragments. Per numbers run on a ballistic calculator based on your muzzle velocities: Hornady BC (G1): .330 (equates to 947 ft-lb @ 300yd) Federal BC (G1): .268 (equates to 724 ft-lb @ 300yd)

[@Rogue-7.62]

That's all well and good as long as you don't intend to eat what you shoot. Hornady needs to use a lead-free ballistic tip with the way that one performed.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Rogue-7.62 Bullets don't turn to dust in meat. Just not what happens.

[@Rogue-7.62]

@@exothermal.sprocket you obviously are clueless to lead contamination then.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Rogue-7.62 Amazing how many people on social media say "obviously" about everything. It's inherently contradictory.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ballistic gel is dense stuff, doesn't produce 1/1 behavior with animal tissues. People often test bullets in water. Water is like hitting concrete. They conclude that because a lead bullet shed some material in water that the same will happen in animal tissue. BOGUS.

[@CabinOnTheWater]

Can you do a video on your gel processing? How you prep it, melt it, etc? I think it would help people appreciate the work it takes to create these videos. Thanks.

[@misterx8592]

Yes, add in some fruit to make our grandmothers proud!

[@danlindgren4290]

I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. No like or reply from Tools, so I’m guessing this is an “Ancient Chinese Secret,” for those old enough to get that reference.

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's nothing too exciting just real time consuming. I did this older one showing the basic process. I've changed a few things for cleaning out the cloth fibers and I keep them in plastic totes now instead of wrapping them back up, but it's pretty much the same.😎👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnrOZpl6jMeVh6c

[@danlindgren4290]

@@ToolsandTargets Thank you. Mystery solved. When you have something really dirty, like that LEVERevolution, do you have to cut it in smaller or uneven chunks to get all of the fragments out?

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yeah. It's better to just cut out the really dirty sections and throw them away in some cases. A little bit lost here and there isn't a huge deal. Usually have to take the entire block out of rotation before the loss adds up enough to matter.😎👍@@danlindgren4290

[@357mag84]

Thanks for the video. I used my Marlin 336 last deer season, for the first time, and used Lever Evolution. Dropped a big doe at 75 yards with it.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@RamPatriot]

Good info. Love my Winchester 94. 30.30 hard to beat within the distance of a football field. Got some Leverevolution, mostly Georgia Arms, so I need to get me some Hammer Down. Please continue your testing it’s much appreciated.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👍

[@tlock4616]

I was scoffed at for using a Model 94 in North Dakota for deer. But 30-30 is no joke. 150 grain Federal power points puts down deer in a hurry. Thanks for another great test!

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@garagemetalshop7975]

30-30 is the king deer slayer!

[@theoriginalOSOK]

I've historically used Hornady component bullets to hunt with the 30-30 and they always worked just fine. Based on this test, I'd go wit the Federal.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@nathan22outdoors8]

to be fair, the federals are new, and there aren't many other competitors making rounds purpose made for lever actions.

[@BRTowe]

That Hornady actually did really well for a non-bonded bullet. Most of that fragmentation is gonna be in the vitals anyway. I wouldn't be afraid of using either bullet. Those Federal/Speer bonded bullets are excellent performers.

[@nelhead4807]

That federal hammer down is some fantastic stuff. I believe I’ll start using it in all my hunting loads.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@PassivePortfolios]

Both loads did great but my personal preference is for the Federal HammerDown because the bullet held together better. The 30-30 is the most underrated hunting cartridge because the shooting and hunting media ignores it but it does the job vey well on a variety of game. Your tests show that the penetration is perfectly adequate for elk and moose, regardless of what some people claim that more powerful rounds are necessary. The 30-30's trajectory suffers past 200 yards but if you sight in at 150 yards you can shoot past 200 yards. Thanks for another excellent test !

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@rjw261984]

Def not underrated. Its been used successfully for a very long time. Its well known the be a good round for hunting.

[@PassivePortfolios]

old hunters know that but the media gets paid to ignore it.

[@rjw261984]

@@PassivePortfolios you callin me old 😉. The reason is now days "long range hunting" is all the hype. Especially since the 6.5cm came out. Years ago people bragged about how close they could get. Now people brag about how far away they took a shot.

[@fredfarkle7514]

The Hornady Spitzer design has a much higher ballistic coefficient (.330 vs .186) than the Federal design and will shoot much flatter out to 300 yards and retain more velocity along the way. That will ensure good expansion at the longer ranges as well. The traditional 30-30 loads and bullets are not well suited beyond 150 yards due to the poor trajectory and velocity loss. At 50 to 100 yards the Federal is a good choice, but beyond that range I would choose the Hornady round.

[@mik3ymomo]

I’d use either for self defense but I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned lead fragments in your meat with the Hornady. May as well use the Federal for anything within a hundred yards. I think the point may have been missed on shots out near the limit of the standard 30-30 rounds ballistics. The design of the leverevolution is to extend the cartridges range. Other than missing that testing metric I enjoyed your tests.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👍

[@isaaccutlip5815]

Same thing with foster slugs

[@SenorVerde27]

Fantastic test, thanks for taking the work out of ammo selection for the rest of us!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@topranchhand]

Very informative! Thanks for doing this, I am now going to switch over to Federal Hammer Down. I got a nice 8 point buck a couple of weeks ago with my 30-30 using that same Hornady at about 100 yards and there was no blood trail at all. The buck only went about 20 yards before expiring.

[@TheBamayaker]

Great testing. Most channels blow 3 rounds in the gel and you can’t see the wound channel. You do it great. We get all the metrics.

[@3rdpig]

I haven't hunted with a 30-30 for many years and when I did I just used the standard jacketed soft point 150 grain Remington ammo. If I were to use it again I'd definitely go with that Hammer Down, it looks like some really good stuff. I may pick up a few boxes of it just to have it around.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Hard to go wrong with most any .30-30 round.😎👍

[@riflemaster1]

Great test video that is the 30-30 always does what is supposed to do

[@vadenk4433]

That hammerdown is incredibly consistent. Definitely picking up a box of those for next deer season.

[@danielvalencia6582]

As much as i love all your videos it was nice to see some hunting ammo being tested as we get closer to season! Keep up the great work we all appreciate it!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I have a ton more in other calibers I wanna try to get tested.😎👍

[@JeffreyCotle]

My 30-30 has taken deer, caribou and 2 bull Alaskan moose. When i lived there 1987-2004.😊

[@raytribble8075]

I took a mature cow elk at 262 yards with my 16” barreled Winchester 94AE centennial trapper. She took to steps and fell over in the sagebrush. Along with 6 deer over the years. I am sold on this bullet and combo.

[@earlygenesistherevealedcos1982]

The difference of "34 feet per second" is out of the barrell, but where the Lever Revolution really shines is keeping velocity down-range due to the tapered point. It was over 100 feet per second better at 100 yards. Lever Revolution thus will drop less and keep more energy on the longer shots.

[@Bob-lq9ys]

Great test, I use to hunt deer with a 30-30 and it was a great round, for self defense it would be one and done. Thanks for sharing

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@willyoung4512]

That's beautiful performance from that Hammer down round... Goes to show what a perfectly tuned bullet/velocity combo does.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Absolutely.😎👍

[@willyoung4512]

@@ToolsandTargets Since it's basically a new market, you should test some of the new AK/SKS x39 hunting rounds head-to-head... make a series to go with your Defiant Munition test from last month.

[@kaylamarie8309]

Took my first deer with my trusty Marlin 30-30 lever gun. I have numerous more guns now but that 30-30 still goes to the deer woods at times.

[@williamray3101]

My 1894 30.30. Made 1907. 26" octagon barrel.. been waiting for this test.😊😊

[@currituck]

A little late to the party, but i suspect the Hammer Down is a Fusion bullet re labled. The Federal Fusion bullet is one of the best bullets for the money today. The only thing i noticed is its a little slower than most rounds in its weight class. That may be that Federal slows it down a little because its bonded, so it doesn't just zing right thru game. I use it in my .270 and 46/70. 150 gr and 300 gr. Great ammo.

[@daltonv5206]

They also offer the fusion so 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@rjw261984]

Both did really well. I prefer bonded rounds for hunting so I would go with the Hammer Down. 🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff for sure.😎👍

[@workct4102]

That's better performance than I got with the 170 grain Nosler Partition. I believe I got about 18" and around 80 grains of retention

[@easttexan2933]

one of the best expansion tests I've seen on utube in years. I shoot federal and hornady, but I've never shot the hammer down. those will be my next purchase when I resupply. by the way, got some federal 150gr soft point at Walmart yesterday (9/6/23) for $22. Haven't seen those prices in 3 years.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that. Definitely a good deal.😎👍

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

I recently got a 30-30 after collecting a bunch of brass over the years. It's a contender with a 14" barrel. I am quite impressed with the 30-30 so far. Excellent review as always sir.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice.😎👊

[@tubbyshvfd9110]

I have one in 35 rem …it’s accurate with the Hornady , just haven’t gotten a deer yet

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

@@tubbyshvfd9110 I am keeping my eye out for a decently priced 35 Rem barrel. That is a really good caliber. I reload for my contender calibers (30-30, 30 Carbine, 256 Win Mag, and 357 mag) and if I got a 35, I'd reload for it too.

[@charlesmckinley29]

@@jakeoutdoors9600decent price and Contender barrels haven’t gone together in a while now. May you have success in your search as they are a fun pistol or carbine.

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

@@charlesmckinley29 LOL. Thanks. Under $200 is a decent price for me. Its cheaper than a while new firearm.

[@fedup3582]

I have used the leverevolution ammo on many deer and antelope with fantastic performance on all of them.

[@crankygunreviews]

Nice test! I think most of the 30-30 I have is Remington UMC green and yellow box bonded semi-jacketed. I got it when it was $10.50 a box on clearance at Walmart back in 2019 ish

[@ToolsandTargets]

Hate to think about old ammo prices.😆

[@crankygunreviews]

@@ToolsandTargets tell me about it… at least 9mm and 5.56/.223 is within a buck or two of where it was, but still too high. I miss $8-9 a box 9mm and $3.99 a box Tulammo .223

[@robwilson3749]

You just had to do it, didn't you?

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊🎯 I’m still old schooling but it’s good to know what you getting.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@andrewfossatti4937]

That is such a beautiful Henry!!! I have a Henry in 45-70 gov’t and would like an all weather or black series in 45-70 but also been looking for something that doesn’t cost $3 per round. So it’s 30-30 or 44 mag I think. Idk which is better suited for what.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I still need to grab one in .45 Colt for the collection. Thought about an all weather for it.

[@miker9043]

Another good one Tools ! 30 30 is my favorite lever gun round , good hunter can take anything in America with it !

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥😎👊💥

[@joeyphillips1181]

I think I would choose the lever evolution over the hammer stuff simply because I have an 18" barrel and the Hornady is moving faster and would probably be more likely to do more damage in a shorter barrel and probably even penetrate a little deeper but they both seem to be awesome 30-30 rounds

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@andrewfossatti4937]

The lever evolution in 45-70 has always impressed me… hoping the the same across all calibers

[@ToolsandTargets]

Same here.

[@charleshenson4183]

I know it works great in my 35rem marlin 336 lever action rifle.

[@danielleclare2938]

The Hammer looked good. 30-30 is underestimated. Now I would like to see the Hammer Soft Point in 7.62 x 39!! Thanks for the show. Nice setup for testing with the stand and shade cover. Like that.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊

[@CntBckt]

Oh man, you're speaking my language!!

[@d.hayward5232]

Funny thing, last trip to my LGS I was eyeballing a 30-30 levergun, and here you are, mere days later doing a 30-30 test. Coincidence?

[@ToolsandTargets]

It's meant to be!😜

[@billyj.williams2341]

Hammer Down looks like the same bonded projectile Federal used in the "Deer THUGS" ammo from a couple years ago.... Thx for the test. Old 30-30 is serious medicine and still gets the job done.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff.😎👊

[@Oldman650]

The Hammer Down is probably just a relabeled Fusion bullet. It's a marketing ploy.

[@Hock3y24k]

@@Oldman650 not really, they added nickle plated cases which are superior for hunting corrosion resistance. also aids in feeding and extraction in these conditions. Ill gladly pay a few more bucks for this

[@Oldman650]

@Hock3y24k the case may be different, but the bullet itself resembles a Fusion bullet. Just like in the case of Federals Non-Typical Whitetail ammo. It's just repackaged Federal Blue box power-shock.

[@Hock3y24k]

@@Oldman650 correct

[@edwardbiasi37]

That's exactly why I love the 30-30. It's really the only hunting rifle I would ever need.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Good stuff.😎👍

[@JpSki84]

HammerDown in 30-30 and 44 mag are fantastic rounds! I prefer bonded over mech locked bullet because of all the fragmentation as well. The only bad thing is trying to find the federal hammerdown ammo! Stuff is more scarce than good politicians. Great review brother! I enjoy the videos.

[@jmmckeithan]

I got lucky my local walmart has shelves of it in stock

[@adampistorius4549]

@@jmmckeithanWalmart seems to get it pretty good. Got it there as well.

[@Nicho-rf5ie]

In the mid-90s I made up some loads of 3030 w/125 grain Nosler ballistic tip bullets. 2635fps. They grouped 3 inches to the left, but same elevation as, 125 grain Sierra pro hunter with both having the same powder load. Never did shoot anything with the Nosler round. Shot one deer with the Sierra and I found it to be a little too light a bullet

[@Dwayne7834]

Another good gel test. Both are some good rounds. . Thanks for the video.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@Oldman650]

Would like to see some gel/ballistics on some PPU 150gr FN and S&B 150gr SP 30-30 bullets.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👍

[@dougcutler4948]

Fragmentation is fine for self defense. It's tough on the meat grinder however.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😆😆😆

[@racecitypatriot66]

Love the old 30-30. First rifle I bought.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Gets it done.😎👊

[@angrysheepdog9744]

Bonded rounds are always the way to go. Great test TT 30-30 a good match for lever action

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@johnboldon9221]

I tried Leverevolution when they first came out. They didn't seem to expand. They just punched holes. I now use the Barnes.

[@midsouthexpress]

I love hearing that 3030 talking to us during the test!

[@dwaynewalker986]

Agreed , nothing wrong with eating right up to the bullet hole.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@unclebilly1353]

Started with a 30 30 hunting dear in pa. I moved out west and though my 30 30 was to small. I got into the higher caliber rifles. But I generally like to hunt with the 30 30. You have to earn your kill.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@bryantitus6634]

I'd love to see the 125gr federal jhp as well. It's basically a full power, yet reduced recoil load. It's not what I'd call common, but I feel enough people do use it.

[@contractor556]

Was at my local shop and they had two boxes (which I’ve never seen if the federal 125gr JHP) so I had to scoop one up! Hopefully get to take the marlin out next weekend to see. My thoughts exactly as far as hopefully a little light recoil but still damaging

[@colt45acp1000]

Very useful information delivered with an enthusiastic, upbeat attitude ! Thanks!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@untermench3502]

When it comes to hunting to feed the family, Lead contamination is a big deal. Both Barnes and Nosler make solid copper bullets for the 30-30 (I have both), so I'm happy, but the Federal is definetly my choice in this test. good test with hunting season coming-up. Sometimes you don't have much choice but to use a Lead core bullet, but this makes the selection much easier. When I go shopping, I feel like a blind dog in a meat house with all the pretty packaging, but this testing clears my mind a whole lot.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Agreed. I actually have some 250 grain Lever Evolution using their Monoflex copper bullets too.😎👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Scratch that. Thinking of the 45-70.😆

[@oddballschtuff]

My elk was taken with LeverEvolution and it didn’t seem to notice that the round wasn’t bonded. Shot it in the ribs, so the fragments shredded the lungs and not the meat. Also, if you reload, you can load to the exact same specs as the factory ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@furmanmackey5479]

Great video as usual!!! I have four boxes of the Hornady stuff I keep, off to the side in case of another ammo emergency, but I nor any of my deer and hog hunting buddies trust it enough to use it when we want to fill our freezers. We all utilize Federal, Winchester, and Remington ammo in our Winchester and Marlin lever actions. They may be "old fashioned" or even "obsolete" compared to more modern rounds but our .30-30s get the job done out to around 100 yards. And then there are those of us, me among them, that think the equally old fashioned 200grn SJRNSP in .35 Remington is the ultimate thumper at 100 to 150 yards.

[@Swampytheroot]

I follow and share a lot of your content. Are folks actually asking for 30-30 reviews? It strikes me as odd because Remington & Winchester have been doing this for 125+ years, and it just fukn works

[@frankgulla8782]

These really are two different loads, the lever evolution has a much better BC, so if your shots are a little on the longer side the Hornady is going to perform better. If you're hunting bigger deer or black bear at normal woods range then the hammer down is gonna be a better choice. I shot a nice 8 point buck with the Hornady, he was around 50yds away, and a tight behind the shoulder shot put him down within 50yds. i pulled the bullets core out from underneath the off side skin and it weighed 100grs. Thanks for the video, great clear gel!

[@mkshffr4936]

Flat points have been reliably knocking the stuffing out of critters for over 100 years. Note the characteristic straight line penetration of the FP.

[@geraldbatts575]

I believe the 2390 was the standard velocity rating for 150gr 24in bbl. The Hornady has the benefit of the superformace powder that usually adds 150-200fps.

[@coreymerrill3257]

Standard test barrels are 24 inches(for non magnum rounds,magnum test barrels are 26") . 2350 +-50 fps is standard for .30-30 Winchester center fire with a 150 grain bullet from a 24 inch tube. Lever evolution uses the superformance high energy powder so the 160 will be about as fast as a normal 150 from the same length barrels...if not just a little faster. You can verify this with research .you don't have to take my word for it .that hammer down demonstrates why i like bonded bullets ,especially electrochemical plated types . That fragmentation won't acrually be in the meat if shot placment is correct .it will be in the lungs and maybe heart and blood vessels for both.

[@Adam-nv9zo]

That hammer down was really impressive. Great video, brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@bobwilson758]

Yes , 30-30 and 30-06 are my favorites !

[@ToolsandTargets]

I got tons of both I need to test.😆

[@russellweber3466]

I have a Savage model 24 that has a 24" rifle barrel in .30-.30 and a 12 gauge under barrel with choke inserts and rifle sights.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎

[@russellweber3466]

@@ToolsandTargets It was a steal of a deal from Cabelas used gun department, but I have never shot it, I need to.

[@clintonlayne9253]

I watched a video this morning Cumberland something or the other. He tested 4 types of 30/30 brands . I liked how you weighed the bullets .

[@mesauer]

I wonder what that will do in a 14” contender? Should perform well, but will have to try them in short barrel. That federal bullet is awesome! I would feel well equipped deer or black bear hunting. I wouldn’t feel “under gunned” if hunting elk in cover. Not a long range round, but looks very capable for shorter ranges. Another nice informative video, Tools never disappoints!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Nice rifle test Tools! Both rounds were impressive but the Federal HD was better. Use the Hornady round in my 45-70, hits hard. Thanks for the test!

[@ToolsandTargets]

The 325 45-70 Lever Evolution is a monster. 😆

[@garagemetalshop7975]

Thank you for the time, care and expense you took in making this extremely informative video. I also alabarte you talking through the missed readings. I could listen to you talk all day! lol

[@CookieMonster_1969]

Just got home from the range myself.😁 I am starting to see a pattern on ammo, seems like anything in a Federal Premium box is going to perform. 🤷‍♂Thanks again for all this testing you do.✌👊

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep 😎👍

[@rjw261984]

Federal seems to have the recipe for success.🇺🇸

[@CookieMonster_1969]

@@rjw261984 Agreed👍

[@jmmckeithan]

I use federal premium box ammo and was grouping better than some other people hands loads in long range

[@CookieMonster_1969]

@@jmmckeithan It is hard to beat Federal HST, but Sig Sauer V Crown and Winchester Silvertip both perform out of 10mm & 9mm👍

[@876mpr]

.30-30 is such a great cartridge, and Leverevolution powder has essentially added 100 fps to its potential. It’s also surprisingly fun and accurate with mild cast bullet loads.

[@Yelladog78]

My buddy just bought a Winchester centennial 66 with the 24" octagon barrel. We shot federal blue box 150, 170's and the Hornady 160gr and the Hornady was only 1" higher at 200 yards and less accurate all for $10 more a box

[@Snailz5]

I’d love to see the leverevolution with the 140gr copper GMX bullet. That would give you a nice comparison of cup n core vs lead bonded vs monolithic

[@ToolsandTargets]

Don't know if I have those but I think I might have some Barnes copper.

[@pistolgrip44mag]

Interesting test. Looking at picking up a Rossi R95 w/ a 20" barrel in the near future.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I really wish they didn't put the manual safety on their lever guns.😣

[@RL-RL]

I'm liking the Hammer Down. It stayed together and did it's job, even though the speeds aren't correct, I don't think the gun that has taken more Deer in history would even matter. Another great test, and I still miss my Anniversary Winchester model 94.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥

[@lastnerve3705]

I can’t find the Hammer Down ammo anywhere…

[@richardpaul8215]

I have leverlution in a 45 long colt ,24" barrel .I bought it for distance because of the point ,would love to see a distance comparison of these two rounds

[@vladimirmihnev9702]

Not really related to this video, but it is something that will be quite useful for me and I believe interesting to most people that are here. Testing what the optimal barrel length for some pistol calibers is... For example I am pretty sure that 16 inches is to long for 9x19 and after about 10 it loses energy do to friction. So one thing that would be relevant for people in the US is what kind of ammo can use all the barrel length with no energy left from the propellent and no loss of speed do to friction. I personally would also really like to know what the perfect length for 7,62x25TT is but I guess that is something I have to do myself, given that I am the one living in a former Warshaw pact country( Bulgaria) where there are quite a bit of this ammunition left in military storage and it's not longer in use for anything since we are part of NATO for a while. But I personally really like that calibre and the TT pistol, it's not a 1911 but the closest realistic thing to it and specifically the really beat up ones have actually the best triggers, as long as you have proper trigger discipline.

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍Thanks tools I appreciate the 30-30 test. It’s not my main caliber for deer hunting but I do use it some and within its range it’s a very good deer caliber. I normally use the Remington 150 gr core Lokt soft point and it has always performed great on deer. Between these two I would go with the hammer down although with my marlin I’m getting about 100fps more with the core lokt than you got with the hammer down but I don’t think it would make that much difference. Again thanks for the test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊

[@randyduncan795]

Takeaway: Beautiful rifle, Hammerdown for deer, Hornady for home defense. No one wants to dig 45 grains of fragments out of their venison but the coroner or county hospital surgeon won't mind.

[@ethanamldon5657]

I use the old school green box in my 30 30 jsp in my 44 magnum 1894 I use the Hornady lever evaluation in 300 gr really puts the hogs down fast

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Before we get to the jelly. Dad switched over to the LVR Hornady 30-30 bullets a number of years back and had to adjust quite a bit his long standing zero. They do fly flatter than the traditional SP/FN bullets. Also I reset my wife's father's 336 30-30 last year to a DNZ mount and ring setup, with Nikon glass and zeroed for the Federal Hammer load. I am eager to see these results 👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Can't go wrong either way.😎👊

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@ToolsandTargets Yeah I would say so. My youngest and I will be sitting with Papa's 30-30 and the Hammers this season. Momma got her first with it at 14. Sissy did too. Now it's her turn to put the family tradition to work 😉 And perhaps one day I ( or they ) will get to do the same for their kids.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Very cool!😎😎@@mot0rhe4d40

[@mot0rhe4d40]

@@ToolsandTargets Youngest missed the shot on a nice 8 point buck sat morning of the youth hunt, last weekend. Redeemed herself with Sunday evening at last light. With a higher shoulder hit on a mature doe. So my necropsy was a simple shoulder blade spine shot. Not a ton of data, but she had success, and the freezer got a little more crowded 😉👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🦌💥@@mot0rhe4d40

[@kawkid]

I like Remington core lokt bullets for my 3030. They are accurate, kill well, and reasonably priced.

[@terrell48]

Love me some 30-30 great old round

[@ToolsandTargets]

It'll get it done.😎👍

[@mr.mr.3301]

Generally excluding the CX Hornady likes fast fragmenting bullets. Federal has done well with bonded. Fusion, hammer down, terminal assent etc.

[@MasterChief0093]

I would love to see this text done with the hammer down in 357 from rifle and revolver. It’s been hard getting data on the 357 version

[@crsquirrely73]

I use the Hornady myself and have never had any issues with it.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Lever Evolution is always some hot stuff.😎👍

[@davehoward2791]

Think I’d have to go with the Federal round; not a fan of picking lead fragments out of my dinner, lol. Hornady should’ve gone with a bonded bullet or a solid copper at those velocities. Excellent test tho, love seeing the .30-30 doin’ it’s thang like the boss it is. 👍👍

[@gregphillips1998]

The lever evolution will give you more range with that ballistic tip and it does put a wallop on deer. That Hammer Down looks pretty impressive as well.

[@edwardzamorski3711]

Tools I love your ammo and ballistic tests. Helps me choose what ammo to buy.

[@auntiefiat9769]

Nice job! Not a fan of feeding the family lead...so I have been leaning towards Barnes TSX...but that bonded Hammer Down looks like a winner of a lead core bullet!

[@dballer51]

Seeing these results, it would have been very interesting to see the Leverevolution with the 140gr Monoflex projectile, but I don't know if you have to handload it, I've never seen it factory loaded.

[@jedediahsibley3355]

One of the most tried and true! Very outstanding performance!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@bradsnyder6357]

I’ve taken one deer with Hornady and while I really like their ammo the 30-30 round didn’t impress me

[@sicsempertyrannis7162]

Awesome bro your on that grind cranking them videos out 💪🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@houseofpain3580]

😂It's not a beauty contest😂

[@sicsempertyrannis7162]

@@houseofpain3580 huh? Sorry I couldn’t decipher your comment? Seems to be lacking some intellect but I’m unsure.

[@houseofpain3580]

@@sicsempertyrannis7162 His quote, "it's not a beauty contest."

[@sicsempertyrannis7162]

@@houseofpain3580 ah. I responded to the wrong comment

[@brenttuttle7268]

Love that Hammer Down in my Henry Big Boy 357.........the problem is the Hammer Down has been impossible to find

[@ToolsandTargets]

Mhmm

[@brenttuttle7268]

​@@ToolsandTargetsI got lucky and walked into a gun store on a road trip.....bought all 5 boxes they had.....only time I've seen it in 2 years