First Impressions of Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off
The Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off represents a significant development in ammunition tailored specifically for lever-action rifles. Federal, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the ammunition industry, has stepped up to meet the growing demand for enhanced performance in these classic firearms.
Having spent countless hours in the field, both hunting and testing various ammunition types, I was particularly intrigued by the Buckhammer’s promise of optimized cycling and terminal ballistics. My search for an effective deer hunting round for my Henry lever gun led me directly to this product. Upon receiving the package, the first thing that struck me was the clean, professional packaging and the clear labeling indicating the 220-grain soft point design. Compared to some other rounds I’ve used in the past, the Federal 360 Buckhammer exuded an immediate sense of quality.
Picking up a cartridge, the weight felt consistent, and the jacketed soft point bullet looked well-formed, promising controlled expansion upon impact. I chose this round over standard .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum lever-action loads primarily because the 360 Buckhammer is engineered from the ground up for modern lever guns and the hunting regulations in many Midwestern states now explicitly allow straight-walled cartridges of this specification. While I’ve had success with other rounds, the Buckhammer promised better ballistics and terminal performance at longer ranges, which I felt was worth exploring. Frankly, I was excited to get to the range and see how this round performed; previous experience with Federal ammunition has always been positive, so my expectations were high.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition to my local shooting range, which features both 100-yard and 200-yard targets. The weather was slightly overcast, with a mild breeze – typical conditions for a mid-October day in the Midwest. I initially focused on zeroing my rifle at 100 yards, and the Buckhammer ammunition performed admirably.
The cycling was smooth and consistent in my Henry, a marked improvement over some of the more finicky rounds I’ve used previously. After getting a good zero, I moved out to the 200-yard target, and that’s where the Buckhammer really started to shine. Even at that distance, the rounds grouped reasonably well, a testament to the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and the consistent velocities. There were no malfunctions or misfires during the initial range session, just consistent, reliable performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both at the range and during pre-season scouting trips, the Federal 360 Buckhammer has continued to impress. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through my Henry, and the ammunition has performed flawlessly. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear on my rifle, and the cases eject cleanly and consistently.
Maintaining the rifle after using this ammunition has been straightforward; standard cleaning procedures are all that’s required. Compared to some of the cheaper, dirtier ammunition I’ve used in the past, the Federal 360 Buckhammer seems to burn cleaner, resulting in less fouling and easier maintenance. Overall, the Federal 360 Buckhammer has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance, especially considering its intended use in a lever-action platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off
Specifications
The Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The caliber is, of course, .360 Buckhammer, a straight-walled cartridge specifically designed for lever-action rifles.
Each round features a 220-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullet, known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration on game. The muzzle velocity is rated at 2000 feet per second, delivering a muzzle energy of 1954 ft-lbs, providing ample power for ethical deer hunting. The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.263, which helps the bullet retain velocity and resist wind drift at longer ranges. These specs are critical because they contribute to the round’s accuracy, range, and terminal performance, making it a capable choice for medium-sized game.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal 360 Buckhammer excels in its primary role: providing reliable and accurate performance in lever-action rifles. I’ve found the accuracy to be consistently good, with groupings of around 2-3 inches at 100 yards using iron sights. The Jacketed Soft Point bullet design ensures consistent expansion and deep penetration, which is critical for ethical hunting.
One of the biggest strengths of this ammunition is its consistent cycling in lever-action rifles, thanks to the modified chamfered case for easier feeding. The only potential weakness is that the relatively high velocity and bullet weight can result in slightly more recoil compared to lighter loads, which could be a concern for some shooters. Overall, the Federal 360 Buckhammer meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated lever-action hunting round.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Federal 360 Buckhammer ammunition prioritizes functionality and reliability. The cases are well-formed and consistently sized, ensuring smooth feeding and extraction in lever-action rifles.
The Jacketed Soft Point bullet is designed for optimal terminal performance, with a profile that promotes controlled expansion upon impact. While ammunition isn’t typically thought of in terms of “ergonomics,” the consistent dimensions and quality of the Federal 360 Buckhammer contribute to a smooth and reliable shooting experience. There is no real learning curve; it’s as simple as loading the rounds into your rifle and heading to the range or the field.
Durability & Maintenance
Ammunition durability primarily refers to its ability to withstand storage and handling without degradation. The Federal 360 Buckhammer ammunition appears to be well-sealed and resistant to moisture, ensuring a long shelf life if stored properly.
Like all ammunition, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion and degradation. However, based on my experience, the Federal 360 Buckhammer is a robust and reliable product that should last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal 360 Buckhammer ammunition is primarily a standalone product, meaning there are no specific accessories that come with it. However, the ammunition itself can enhance the performance of a lever-action rifle when paired with other accessories.
For example, installing a scope or red dot sight can improve accuracy, allowing you to take full advantage of the Buckhammer’s ballistic capabilities. Aftermarket recoil pads can also help mitigate the increased recoil of this round, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The Federal 360 Buckhammer is compatible with any lever-action rifle chambered in .360 Buckhammer, and it should work seamlessly with any standard accessories designed for that platform.
Pros and Cons of Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off
Pros
- Specifically engineered for lever-action rifles, ensuring reliable cycling and feeding.
- Excellent terminal ballistics with the 220-grain Jacketed Soft Point bullet for ethical hunting.
- Good accuracy at moderate ranges, making it suitable for deer and other medium-sized game.
- Consistent velocities and clean-burning powder, contributing to reliable performance and easier maintenance.
- Federal’s reputation for quality and reliability provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Recoil can be slightly more noticeable compared to lighter loads.
- Availability might be limited in some areas due to the relatively new cartridge design.
Who Should Buy Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off?
The Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition is perfect for hunters who use lever-action rifles in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and effective deer hunting round.
If you prefer lighter recoiling rounds or are shooting in areas where straight-walled cartridges are not required, you might consider other options. A must-have accessory would be a quality scope or red dot sight to maximize the accuracy potential of this ammunition.
Conclusion on Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off
The Federal 360 Buckhammer 220 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition LG360BH1 17% Off is a well-designed and reliable round that delivers excellent performance in lever-action rifles. The price is justified by its consistent quality, reliable cycling, and effective terminal ballistics.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a dedicated deer hunting round for their lever gun. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, straight-walled cartridge that’s specifically designed for lever-action rifles, the Federal 360 Buckhammer is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your lever gun experience today!