American Rifleman Television - Federal Premium Shotshell Production

Published on June 24, 2015
Duration: 9:58

This video provides an in-depth look at Federal Premium's shotshell production process in Anoka, Minnesota. It details component manufacturing, including plastic hulls extruded by Reifenhäuser machines and the creation of shot pellets through a melting and dripping process into water. The production emphasizes quality control, testing for extreme temperature performance, and tailoring loads for specific applications like trap shooting and hunting, focusing on shot hardness and pattern distribution.

Quick Summary

Federal Premium manufactures its own shotshell components, including primers, wads, and shot, to ensure strict quality control and consistent performance. Loads are rigorously tested under extreme temperatures (150°F to -20°F) and analyzed with high-speed cameras to optimize wad separation and shot column behavior for tighter patterns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Federal Premium Production
  2. 00:36Component Manufacturing Control
  3. 01:12Extreme Temperature Testing
  4. 01:33High-Speed Camera Analysis
  5. 02:09Reifenhäuser Hull Extrusion
  6. 02:25Tailoring Loads for Applications
  7. 03:08Progressive Cover Machine Inspection
  8. 04:38Wad Manufacturing Process
  9. 05:33Flight Control Wad Technology
  10. 05:52Base Wad and Shot Loading
  11. 06:39Specialty Shot Features
  12. 07:00Prairie Storm Ammunition
  13. 07:23Shot Pellet Manufacturing
  14. 09:05Final Assembly Process
  15. 09:37Packaging and Final Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Federal Premium ensure the quality of its shotshell components?

Federal Premium manufactures its own components, including primers, wads, and shot. This allows them to meticulously control tolerances and conduct rigorous testing, including performance evaluation under extreme temperatures, to guarantee the quality of the final loaded round.

What is the purpose of high-speed cameras in Federal Premium's shotshell production?

High-speed cameras are utilized to closely observe critical moments in the shotshell firing process. They help engineers understand precisely how the wad separates from the gun system and how the shot column behaves at high velocities, aiding in optimizing performance and pattern consistency.

How does Federal Premium tailor shotshell loads for different applications?

Federal Premium customizes loads by adjusting factors like shot hardness based on the intended application. For trap shooters, hardness might be reduced for cost-effectiveness, while premium hunting loads use much harder lead for improved pattern density and velocity, ensuring optimal performance in the field.

What is the Flight Control Wad, and how does it improve shotshell performance?

The Flight Control Wad is a proprietary Federal Premium technology designed to enhance pattern performance. It opens at the rear and remains with the shot column during flight, controlling its separation and leading to tighter, more consistent shot patterns downrange.

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