JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.
You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Federal Ammo For Sale

Read description

Founded in 1916, Federal provided ammunition to the U.S. military for World War II and the Vietnam Conflict. Today, Federal's 1,000+ employees produce high-quality self defense and hunting ammunition entirely from their plant in Anoka, Minnesota. Learn More

Live Inventory

History of Federal Ammo

You're free to republish or share any of our ammo brand histories (either in part or in full), which are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Our only requirement is that you give Ammo.com appropriate credit by linking to the original article. Spread the word; knowledge is power!

Perhaps best known for its Premium brand launched in 1977, Federal Ammunition has its humble beginnings in an ammo and bicycle company founded in 1916 in Anoka, Minnesota. While Federal no longer sells bicycles, they still make ammo in their Anoka headquarters, where a single plant manufactures dozens of calibers. Federal was eventually purchased by Charles L. Horn in 1922, two years after the company shut its doors. Horn is considered the founder of the company, as he built the brand into what it is today.

Horn’s hustle is what made him the father of Federal, aggressively marketing his ammunition across America – in gas stations, grocery stores and barber shops. This approach eventually paid off. In 1941, the U.S. government awarded him an $87 million contract to manufacture ammunition for the war effort. Federal continued fulfilling America’s military needs for decades, supplying ammunition for the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The Diverse (and Innovative) Federal Ammunition Catalog

Today, the company manufactures thousands of different options. This includes a complete line of centerfire, rimfire and shotshell ammo – a tradition of innovation that has allowed them to maintain a competitive advantage for nearly a century.

Among Horn’s many achievements was being a prime mover behind the 4-H Conservation program in 1934, making Federal the first company to sponsor camps. Since 1979, the company has sponsored the 4-H Shooting Sports Program and partners with 4-H to offer safe shooting and hunting classes, as well as wildlife management.

The Federal Ammunition founder’s contributions to conservation did not end there. Federal Cartridge, the predecessor of Federal Ammunition, was a key player in lobbying the United States Congress to adopt the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Among other provisions, the Act created a self-imposed tax on ammunition manufacturers, which has raised – and continues to raise – billions of dollars to help protect America’s wildlife and countryside.

The Dramatic Expansion of Federal Ammo

Expanding dramatically in the 50s and 60s, Federal began producing centerfire ammunition for rifles and pistols in 1963. They continued to manufacture their high-quality shotgun shells and brought wins for competitive shooters, creating lifelong customers. Charles Horn retired in 1977, and turned management of the company over to his son William – who continued to grow the company with unrelenting marketing efforts, introducing the Premium line of ammunition for rifles and shotguns, and eventually selling in 1985 to a collection of private investors who sold to Alliant Techsystems.

Federal Ammunition still operates a plant in Anoka, Minnesota, where they employ nearly 1,000 people and produce the entire Federal line of ammunition for rifles, pistols, shotguns and rimfire weapons. They continue to make the popular Hydra-Shok pistol ammo here, as well as rifle ammunition topped with Sierra bullets. The Federal brand is an ongoing innovator, introducing its new Guard Dog ammo for handguns, V-shock ammo for rifles, and Black Cloud shells for shotgun. The American Eagle Syntech, a revolutionary, polymer-coated round introduced in 2015, extends barrel life by significantly reducing metal-on-metal contact. Federal will undoubtedly continue to produce their high-quality ammunition for many years to come.

Federal Ammunition Stock Developments

Color-coded shells are an industry standard, even though some ammunition manufacturers have deviated from this practice. Everyone who has taken a hunter’s education course has learned this by rote, over and over again. What many don’t know is that Federal began this practice in 1960, another example of how this company has been a pioneer in the world of ammo manufacturing.

Likewise, many turkey hunters take turkey-driven shotshells for granted. Federal was the first ammunition company to offer a shell specifically for this kind of hunting. Until 1992, there was no shotgun shell specifically designed for turkey shoots. Their current turkey-specific shotshell is the 3rd Degree Shotshell.

Federal Ammunition Stock Continues to Expand

One might think that not much has changed in ammunition manufacturing in the 100 years since Federal began, but nothing could be further from the truth. Federal is never content to rest upon past achievements, always innovating its various brands and lines. A great example of this is their primary use of recycled lead, making them one of the greenest ammunition manufacturing enterprises in existence. In late 2017, Federal announced that they would be releasing a new, high-performance .22-caliber cartridge for AR-15s.

This spirit of innovation and commitment to quality have made Federal an award-winning manufacturer of ammunition.

Vital-Shok Trophy Bonded Tip ammunition won the Game & Fish Readers’ Choice award in both 2013 and 2015.
The Personal Defense HST rounds earned the coveted Golden Bullseye Award for 2015 Ammunition Product of the Year from the National Rifle Association's (NRA) Shooting Illustrated.
Vital-Shok Buckshot received the 2016 Reader's Choice Award from Predator Xtreme.

While Federal has always manufactured within their single Minnesota plant, they’ve expanded the size of this facility by orders of magnitude. What originally took up a relatively scant 9,600 square feet (manufacturing only shotgun shells) is now over 500,000 square feet, sitting on 175 acres, and making ammunition for every variety of firearm: shotgun, rimfire, muzzle loaders and handguns. In fact, the plant is so large that it straddles Anoka and its neighboring town Coon Rapids.

Federal’s ties with the Anoka community are deep. The city hall of Anoka is even shaped a little like a pistol, which is no accident – Federal bankrolled the construction of the building in 1954. The building is still the political center of this small Minneapolis suburb.

Federal Law Enforcement Ammo

In March 2018, Federal received a Department of Homeland Security contract, allowing Federal to produce 180 million rounds of .40 caliber Tactical HST duty ammunition for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other DHS and federal agencies over the next five years. This continues a partnership Federal has enjoyed with military and federal law enforcement ammo dating back several decades.

Federal Ammunition is a brand with roots as deep as those of other iconic American manufacturers like General Motors, Harley-Davidson or Levi’s. Whatever your ammunition needs might be – whether it’s target shooting, hunting or self defense – Federal is always there with an innovative answer.

Customer Reviews

Federal 12 ga Ammo - 175 Rounds of 00 Buck Ammunition

based on the 2 reviews below

Add Review »
sixftmoose said:
"I have always trusted Federal ammo to be good quality and this 12 gauge ammo once again proves to me that Federal knows what they are doing when it comes to making ammo! I have had no problems what so ever with any of the ammo I purchased from Ammo.com and I'm a life long customer after dealing with them, the ammo arrived quickly and has served its purpose. I used the ammo in my brand new Mossberg 500 and it cycled properly with no problems, consistent pattern, reasonable recoil and came in a handy little ammo can in great shape (Nice little bonus if you ask me!) I would recommend this ammo to anyone looking for a good quality 00 Buck."
Hondobob said:
"I've gone through two cans of this excellent shotgun ammo without complaint. It cycles just fine in my old Winchester 1897, High Standard Supermatic, and a Norinco clone of the Colt 1878 side-by-side. Good patterns and power with manageable recoil. Some ammo cans are loaded with 25-round boxes, others with smaller boxes, but always a total of 175 rounds. An excellent choice for hunting or defense. I'm buying more when it's available."

Federal 40 cal Ammo - 50 Rounds of 155 Grain JHP Ammunition

based on the 2 reviews below

Add Review »
Mac said:
"I have shot this brand of ammo before, it has always performed well in my semi-auto without jaming, and is very accurate in my particular weapon."
Lia_npc said:
"Appreciate fast turn of customer order being shipped to me, thanks much in this trying time of our great country"

Federal 223 Rem Ammo - 500 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition

based on the 9 reviews below

Add Review »
Alex said:
"Good quality "
JC said:
"I have a Colt which is can be picky on ammo. I have never had a jam with this Federal 223 ammo. ammon.net was fast and great to work with. my only complaint is the current prices everywhere right now."
Hooter said:
"Ammo is great shooting, clean, no problems. Shipping on time and great service. The recent worldwide increase in ammo prices are ridiculous. Not a lot you can do about it, though"
james said:
"ammo shot fine, fast service great prices"
Stricky323 said:
"Great ammo. No issues while shooting. Good price. Highly recommend. "
Brian said:
"Great ammo for weekend shooting, good price and fast shipping "
Sandy said:
"The ammo arrived on my birthday and it was the highlight of my day. My order was filled and sent to me so fast I was pleasantly surprised. The cartridges are of the highest quality, not musty surplus like some folks are selling. Very happy, thank you."
Retired Sarge said:
"My first time using the rifle I used this ammo. On a 10 inch dirty bird target I was able to land consistent groupings .I was able to land 59 out of 60 rounds in the 9 ring or better. The order was shipped and I received it on the third day. Service is excellent."
stan said:
"very happy ,with the ammo, no jam ups,carb build up is minor -compare to wolf. price is affordable for the weekend shooter. Quality of the ammo is very very good for the price. also very happy with .ammo.com- getting the order out to me so i can blow up the targets.. i don t like waiting for my ammo- the last place had to wait three weeks,was not happy"
View 6 more
Close

Federal 45 Auto Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 230 Grain FMJ Ammunition

based on the 5 reviews below

Add Review »
Lee said:
"I like the ammo, but not the rising cost of the ammo. No misfires on the ammo in over 500 rounds shot thus far."
zinger30-06 said:
"This ammo was purchased for range use. I shoot on average 100 rounds per session at least once a week. I was pleasently surprised at the peformance of the round. I fired 25 rounds at one target and then 25 at a second target. Folded them over each other and the groupings were a close match. My carry pistol is a Colt Defender 1911 and this is perfect practice ammo. I will continue to purchase as it becomes available. "
Louis said:
"Great ammo with high quality brass, also has large pistol primer if you are interested in reloading. As far as value goes, given the recently inflated prices that accompany such high demand all ammo has become too pricey. That having been said, in relative terms it is a great value. It is my go to ammo for practicing."
Louis said:
"This is reliable, clean burning consistent ammo. It cycles perfectly and there were no malfunctions in either my XDM or my Kimber 1911 super carry ultra. It has high quality reloadable brass with large pistol primers. When available this is my go to ammo."
Practice said:
"Just purchased this for 1911 range time. Shoots fine through a couple hundred rounds so far with no goofups. Market is up right now so that'll explain overall cost. I'd buy more when the time comes. "
View 2 more
Close

Federal 40 cal Ammo - 100 Rounds of 180 Grain FMJ Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
Bob said:
"Quality seem to be top notch. I had no problems with the ammo at all. Fired cleanly. A real bargain."

Federal 45 Auto Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 185 Grain JHP Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
Gary D said:
"The 185 grain cycled thru both my Glocks and Para-Ordnance 1911 LDA without any problems. The .40SW feed thru my Beretta Strorm Carbines and both were very accuate and fairly clean burining. "

Federal 40 cal Ammo - 50 Rounds of 180 Grain FMJ Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
KENNY said:
"THE AMMO THAT I GOT WAS FAST AND AFFORDABLE AND WILL RECOMMEND YOUR SERVICE TO ANYONE"

Federal 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
Frank said:
"Worked like it should it went in the gun. it came out of the gun . so it worked just fine. "

Federal 9mm Ammo - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain JHP Ammunition

based on the 4 reviews below

Add Review »
This is my Glock said:
"My Glock eats this stuff up. I like it so much I don't want to shoot the remaining 700 rounds I have left. I just stash it with 300 rounds of 9BPLE and take it out to drool over it before I head to the range with PMC for plinking."
Terry said:
"I find it a great value and excellent quality and fine performance ammo and would happily recommend it to anybody else to use. I have used it in both my 9mm pistols, SCCY CPX-2 & Kel-Tec P-11. "
Highdesertrat said:
"This ammo has always worked well in my S&W M&P and Ruger P-95. I have never had a problems with misfires and accuracy is good. Great price also."
Orion1958 said:
"I find it a great value and excellent quality and fine performance ammo and would happily recommend it to anybody else to use. "
View 1 more
Close

Federal 9mm Ammo - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain JHP Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
45Mudman said:
"Bought 500 rds. first mag, would not feed, S&W M&P, tried it in a Taurus 709 same thing, tried some in a hi-point 9mm, made it through the first mag then the second, hmm what;s up with this? third mag 2nd round no feed, 4th same. Sorry to say I wasted hard earned money on target and practice ammo I can't use. Don't buy."

Federal 9mm Ammo - 50 Rounds of 147 Grain JHP Ammunition

based on the 2 reviews below

Add Review »
JW102282 said:
"I purchased a small amount (100 rounds) of this ammo strictly to use for personal defense. I wanted a heavier hollow point round in order to get the most stopping power and expansion I can from a 9 mm. I only fired fifty of the one hundred rounds because I wanted to make sure that they feed into my weapon and fire without any problems. Again, I feel that I would want to run at least 200 - 300 of these rounds in order to give a better review. However,the fifty that I did test fire operated from my Glock 26 Gen 4 without any issues. I did notice that with the magazine fully loaded with these rounds opposed to the 124 grain and some of the 115 grain that I was running, the magazine was a little more tough to get it to lock in while loading. Just had to push/hit the mag in a little harder. Operationally though, they ran well."
korba said:
"Great ammo, no failures, no problems at all.. Great!"

Federal 223 Rem Ammo - 20 Rounds of 55 Grain FMJ-BT Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
Freddy said:
"Better then I excepted. Quick delivery, at a great price. Not one fault. Will be using again in the future. Keep up the good work guys. "

Federal 5.56x45 Ammo - 600 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

based on the 1 review below

Add Review »
Bear Patrol said:
"Ammo comes in 5 plastic mini ammo boxes that look really neat! I wish the carry handles were real but they’re still worth holding onto for future use. So far I’ve put about 360 of these through my Windham HBC with no issues. As for accuracy I’ve only fired at targets from 100 yards or less from a standing position, so I’m not sure how they do at longer ranges but they always hit where I aim at those distances. The only downside for me so far is that I have to use paper targets or improvised targets (milk jugs, cans, etc.) Because these were leaving some SERIOUS dents in my 1/2 inch thick ar500 steel target. Overall I’d definitely recommend these to someone looking for decent 5.56 ammo at a good price."

Most Popular Product Reviews

Federal 5.56x45 Ammo - 600 Rounds of 62 Grain FMJ Ammunition

Bear Patrol said: Works great! No issues!

Ammo comes in 5 plastic mini ammo boxes that look really neat! I wish the carry handles were real but they’re still worth holding onto for future use. So far I’ve put about 360 of these through my Windham HBC with no issues. As for accuracy I’ve only fired at targets from 100 yards or less from a standing position, so I’m not sure how they do at longer ranges but they always hit where I aim at those distances. The only downside for me so far is that I have to use paper targets or improvised targets (milk jugs, cans, etc.) Because these were leaving some SERIOUS dents in my 1/2 inch thick ar500 steel target. Overall I’d definitely recommend these to someone looking for decent 5.56 ammo at a good price.

Federal 5.7x28 Ammo - 50 Rounds of 40 Grain TMJ Ammunition

Dean said: If you need Cheap Range Ammo, Get this one.

If you need some ammunition for an indoor range, these are the rounds for you.

Federal 22 LR Ammo - 5250 Rounds of 36 Grain CPHP Ammunition

Jack said: Excellent service and the accuracy was as expected, best on the market

Excellent service and quality product. Highly recommended to all my friends

Bullet Points: Federal Ammo

Federal Premium has come a long way from selling ammo in gas stations and grocery stores. What started out as a bicycle company has transformed into one of the best-selling ammunition companies in the world.
Federal is known for their premium ammo lines for rifles and shotguns, popular among those looking for self-defense and hunting rounds. Their Hydra-Shok pistol ammo continues to be one of their best-selling products.
They provided bulk ammunition for the U.S. military for WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. The result of an aggressive marketing approach, their multi-million-dollar government contract continued throughout the latter decades of the 1900s.
The entire Federal line is manufactured out of their plant in Anoka, Minnesota – where more than 1,000 employees produce ammo for rifles, pistols, shotguns and rimfire weapons. Guard Dog ammunition is just one example of how they continue to innovate within the ammo market.

The Ammo.com Guarantee

One of the things our customers love most about us is our fast shipping. In fact, they rave about it. When you browse our inventory, you’re seeing exactly what we have in our warehouse, on hand, ready to ship. That’s why, in general, orders placed before 3:00pm Eastern on a weekday will ship same day. Orders placed after this time, or on a weekend or holiday, will ship the next business day.

Included in every order is a donation to a pro-freedom organization that shares our values. After checking out, choose an organization from our Freedom Fighter Support list, and we will donate 1% of your purchase – all at no cost to you.

It is our mission to deliver your ammunition quickly at a great price – all while helping to support those who protect our freedoms to do so.

Happy Ammo.com Shooters

Our customers say it best!

Rick N. said: "I found what I was looking for and my order was shipped promptly. Communication was sufficient. I have no complaints about Ammo.com. Even with shipping, prices are comparable to other sellers. I’ve got the site bookmarked so, yeah, I’ll be back."

Micheal M. said: "I was more than happy with your service. It's the first time I've ever ordered ammo and I will be more than happy to recommend your service to anyone. I've already told some people about you having the 7.5x55mm ammo I needed.”

Shaun M. said: "My order arrived within a couple days, which I'd consider prompt. Your prices are very competitive and significantly less expensive than the local stores. Thank you for your time and what you do."

Read more testimonials »

Quotes of Note: Citizens Owning Guns

“Strict gun laws are about as effective as strict drug laws...It pains me to say this, but the NRA seems to be right: The cities and states that have the toughest gun laws have the most murder and mayhem.”Mike Royko

“A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves... and include all men capable of bearing arms.”Richard Henry Lee

“The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles.”Jeff Cooper

Read more quotes »

Quotes of Note: Founding Fathers

“The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people...that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”Thomas Jefferson

“Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”Benjamin Franklin

“A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.”Thomas Jefferson

Read more quotes »

Quotes of Note: American Exceptionalism

“That America is an exceptional nation is unclear only to one who has not been taught its true history. It ceases to be exceptional only when its representative leaders cease to be exceptional. America, it has been said, is a nation of laws, not of men. The more it becomes a nation of men, the less it remains America.”Ron Brackin

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American ... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag.”Theodore Roosevelt

“Apologizing for our past sins may reveal character and for a time lessen anti-Americanism abroad, but if it is done without acknowledging that the sins of America are the sins of mankind, and that our remedies are so often exceptional, then it only earns transitory applause—and a more lasting contempt that we ourselves do not believe in the values we profess.”Victor Davis Hanson

Read more quotes »