April 27, 1922
in Anoka, Minnesota
- April 27, 1922 Charles L. Horn founded Federal Cartridge Corporation in Anoka, Minnesota
– four factories
– 700,000 square feet - 1941 Federal won an $87-million contract from the U.S. government
– to build and operate the $30-million Twin City Ordnance Plant (TCOP) - 1977 William B. Horn introduced Federal’s Premium line of centerfire rifle and shotshell ammunition
- 1987 – 2020 worked with a local non-profit group to employ people with disabilities
- Premium line with projectiles from Nosler Partition and Sierra boat-tail
- 2014 built modern water-treatment plant
- February 2015 owned by Vista Outdoor
- 2019 started selling directly to consumers through online store
- customers can order hand-loaded ammunition customized for their needs
About Federal Premium Ammunition
Federal Premium Ammunition traces its modern history to April 27, 1922, when Charles L. Horn refounded a failed 1916 company as the Federal Cartridge Corporation in Anoka, Minnesota. During World War II, Federal operated the Twin City Ordnance Plant under a government contract, producing ammunition for the war effort. In 1977 William B. Horn introduced the Premium line of centerfire rifle and shotshell ammunition, which built the brand’s reputation with hunters.
Federal also shaped modern self-defense and law enforcement ammunition. Its Hydra-Shok hollow point debuted in 1988 after the FBI asked for a bullet with better terminal performance, and later designs such as HST continued that work. Federal came under Vista Outdoor when Vista was spun off from Alliant Techsystems in February 2015, and in 2024 Vista sold the business to the Czechoslovak Group (CSG). As of 2026 Federal remains headquartered in Anoka and is one of the best-known American ammunition brands for hunting, target shooting and personal protection.
Key Facts
- April 27, 1922: Charles L. Horn founded Federal Cartridge Corporation in Anoka, Minnesota
- World War II: Operated the Twin City Ordnance Plant
- 1977: Premium line of centerfire rifle and shotshell ammunition introduced
- 1988: Hydra-Shok hollow point introduced after an FBI request
- February 2015: Became part of Vista Outdoor
- 2024: Sold to the Czechoslovak Group
Learn More
Sources
Across the Gun Websites Network
- Federal Premium Ammunition Ammo Buyers Guide.com
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