LEVER vs HAMMER!...30-30 Hornady Lever Evolution & Federal Premium HammerDown AMMO Test!
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2023
- Testing out some .30-30 ammo from Hornady and Federal. Which one is better? Heavy clothing ballistic gel test using a Henry lever action rifle!
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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.👍👍👍
Absolutely.😎👍
Seems like perfect round for Deer.
I just inherited one
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..
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 👍👍👍
Every time I see the 3030 in action I’m impressed it is such a well performing cartridge
Mhmm
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.
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😊👍
Appreciate that!😎👊
The Deer jelly test is the most accurate, little more messy though 😆👍
Tools does do us right 👍
I think part of it too is the natural lighting at his range :)
Him and Mason Leather
Him and Mason Leather
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)
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.
Many people have said it before and I’m just going to echo this sentiment. If you’re not the best person on UA-cam 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.
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.😊
Did the math. 1978 $98 is $478 today. Shoot. Take us back
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.
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to be fair, the federals are new, and there aren't many other competitors making rounds purpose made for lever actions.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you sir.😎👍
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.
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!
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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.
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Thanks Tools, Love all the video's but, have wondered about this match up. Always awesome stuff on your channel.
Thank you sir.😎👊
That hammerdown is incredibly consistent. Definitely picking up a box of those for next deer season.
Tools I love your ammo and ballistic tests. Helps me choose what ammo to buy.
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.
Yes, add in some fruit to make our grandmothers proud!
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.
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.😎👍 ua-cam.com/video/PIk5fDWbbQE/v-deo.html
@@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?
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
I have used the leverevolution ammo on many deer and antelope with fantastic performance on all of them.
My 1894 30.30. Made 1907. 26" octagon barrel.. been waiting for this test.😊😊
Great test video that is the 30-30 always does what is supposed to do
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.
Hard to go wrong with most any .30-30 round.😎👍
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!
Thank you sir. I have a ton more in other calibers I wanna try to get tested.😎👍
Good video Tools I bought a Marlin 336c 30-30 back in the eighties enjoyed the Jelly Test Stay Safe Stay 2A Strong 🇺🇸
Appreciate all the videos. I'm going with my sons tomorrow. I'm looking forward to sending some down range. Keep the videos coming 👍.
Nice. Have fun, brother!😎👊
That federal hammer down is some fantastic stuff. I believe I’ll start using it in all my hunting loads.
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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.
Agreed. I actually have some 250 grain Lever Evolution using their Monoflex copper bullets too.😎👍
Scratch that. Thinking of the 45-70.😆
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
Thank you sir.😎👊
Very useful information delivered with an enthusiastic, upbeat attitude ! Thanks!
Appreciate that.😎👊
Fantastic test, thanks for taking the work out of ammo selection for the rest of us!
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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 .
I need to get some of the Hammer Down. Great video. I love your channel.
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
Tools you are just out of this would with these test. You always find something interesting to show us.
Hope you're a good weekend and enjoy the upcoming holiday.
Be vigilant and always be safe my friend
Appreciate that, brother. You too!😎👊
That hammer down was really impressive. Great video, brother.
Thank you sir.😎👊
Very Nice! Thanks. Gotta love that Henry…
👍😊🎯 I’m still old schooling but it’s good to know what you getting.
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Well now I have a new ammo to look for. Hammerdown looks like a winner.
Another good gel test. Both are some good rounds. . Thanks for the video.
Thank you sir.😎👊
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.
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.
Appreciate that. Definitely a good deal.😎👍
That's beautiful performance from that Hammer down round... Goes to show what a perfectly tuned bullet/velocity combo does.
Absolutely.😎👍
@@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.
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!
Great video. I wonder if the fragments from the LeverEvolution round would remain in the bloodshot portion of meat around the wound track that you would lose anyway? Thanks for the 30-30 love. You got a new subscriber!
Never seen those Hammer Down's before, very nice round!
I'm pretty sure I have that same pop-up tent for down on my range for when it's raining
Awesome comparison. I've heard a lot if people take a dump in Remington ammo. Could you do a video on the new and old production core-lokt ammo. Maybe even compare it to the core-lokt tipped.
👍👍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.
Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊
One of the most tried and true! Very outstanding performance!
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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!
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.
Good stuff.😎👊
The Hammer Down is probably just a relabeled Fusion bullet. It's a marketing ploy.
Great video! Can’t wait until we get our 30-30 up and going!
Thank you sir. No doubt it will be top notch!😎👊
Another good one Tools ! 30 30 is my favorite lever gun round , good hunter can take anything in America with it !
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My 30-30 has taken deer, caribou and 2 bull Alaskan moose. When i lived there 1987-2004.😊
Awesome video man, got home from work and was stoked to see you posted this already!! Been waiting for this since i commented on ammo hunt day, both did great honestly but i agree if I was hunting with these believe id go with the hammer down for not fragmenting. Thanks as always! Still hoping you try those fusion 30-30's definitely like to see how they perform, maybe federal power shok vs fusion video?? Either way your awesome Tools, easily one of the best gun tubers out here! Lastly btw your armor video yesterday was very cool definitely a different option that i havent seen before.
Thank you sir. That Federal battle sounds like a good idea.😎👍
@@ToolsandTargets Your very welcome, and glad you like the idea!
I love hearing that 3030 talking to us during the test!
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
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.
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.
I still need to grab one in .45 Colt for the collection. Thought about an all weather for it.
Interesting test. Looking at picking up a Rossi R95 w/ a 20" barrel in the near future.
I really wish they didn't put the manual safety on their lever guns.😣
I would like you to compare a 150 grain Bullet hand loaded with 36 grains ofHodgedon powder , compared to Winchester 150 grain forelock in 150 grain ammo. Thanks great channel you have.
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!
The 325 45-70 Lever Evolution is a monster. 😆
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.
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That was a fantastic ammo test Tools. I would definitely go with the hammer down vs the leverevolution. 🇺🇸👊
Appreciate that, brother.😎👊
Wow you got this one out quick let's get it poppin
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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.
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
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!
Thank you sir.😎👊
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
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
Flat points have been reliably knocking the stuffing out of critters for over 100 years. Note the characteristic straight line penetration of the FP.
.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.
Federal does it again. Another fantastic ammo offering with the Hammer Down. Really interesting and great test and commentary info. I used the 30-30 Remington 150gr. core lokt PSP for a long time when hunting. But the Hammer Down would be great as well. Agreed the HD for hunting no doubt. The Red Leverlution will let them handle the soda bottles and watermelons 🍉. Lol 😂 Be safe. ⭐️⭐️🇺🇸⭐️⭐️
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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.
I got lucky my local walmart has shelves of it in stock
@@jmmckeithanWalmart seems to get it pretty good. Got it there as well.
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.
Nice.😎👊
I have one in 35 rem …it’s accurate with the Hornady , just haven’t gotten a deer yet
@@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.
@@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.
@@charlesmckinley29 LOL. Thanks. Under $200 is a decent price for me. Its cheaper than a while new firearm.
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.
Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊
Oh man, you're speaking my language!!
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.
Love the old 30-30. First rifle I bought.
Gets it done.😎👊
Loving the T-shirt slogan. Reading IS fundamental. Not looking to get a 30-30, but, if one fell in my lap, your tests would help me greatly in ammo selection.
That Hammer Down is probably a Speer Hot Core.
Thank you sir.😎👊
Your bullets are "Tons heavier than others " nice vid
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.
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Thanks for testing the revelation. So, I didn't waste my money. But now I have to go and try to find the hammer down. Also, I do have some federal fusion that I bought before I got my rifle.
Gonna try to get the Fusions tested in the next week or so.😎👍
@ToolsandTargets I am sorry. I was wrong. I dont have fusion rounds. I have power point rounds in 150 and 170 grain.
Bonded rounds are always the way to go. Great test TT 30-30 a good match for lever action
Thank you sir.😎👊
Thanks doing video on 30 30 want to by hammer ammo..nice set up on your range .can u do ammo test on winchester ballistic sliver tip 30 30
I'll see if I can come up with that. I do have another 30-30 test coming soon.😎👍
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.
Good video. I would use either one.
That Bonded Federal round would be Big Medicine for Hogs in the Cedar Thickets.
You sure put in the Work. Great Vid!
Thank you sir.😎👊
Hey Tools, keep up the good work Brother!!
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WOW!!!!!! You are the Man, Tools!!!!!
Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊
I agree with you on the hammer down, that would be my choice for hunting, THX Brian. 👍🇺🇸
Gotta love a good bonded bullet. Enjoy your Sunday, my friend!😎👊
Great video. Thanks!
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. 👍👍
Nice!! Just gotta love the sledgehammer smack of a good ole 30/30! Both would absolutely put some meat on the dirt but I’d take the bonded for sure if I had the choice. Awesome test as always good sir 👍🇺🇸
Appreciate that, brother!😎👊
Great video Tools! Very interesting
Thank you sir.😎👊
That's exactly why I love the 30-30. It's really the only hunting rifle I would ever need.
Good stuff.😎👍
I’ve used Leverevolution in 45-70. Impressive expansion and weight loss, if that’s your thing. I switched to 300 grain TSXs :)
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.
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
Love the 30-30 tests.
Appreciate that. Got some more coming soon.😎👊
I’ve taken one deer with Hornady and while I really like their ammo the 30-30 round didn’t impress me
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.
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I can’t find the Hammer Down ammo anywhere…