Turkeys, Turkeys, Turkeys

The snow is finally leaving us here in Minnesota, and our gobbler season is right around the corner. Per usual, I missed the application deadline earlier this winter--and my schedule doesn't leave ample time for a bonus tag hunt. However, we've got some exciting news for turkey hunters. Our new 2-3/4" 20-gauge #7 HEAVYWEIGHT shells bring unprecedented patterns and pellets counts for the 20-gauge platform--with 40% less recoil.

I patterned these in the alleys again last week--and the days of the 20-gauge limiting you in the woods are over--even with a 2-3/4" platform. Be sure to look these up this turkey season. Don't forget we've got plenty of other products for turkey hunters--including excellent targets from Champion and a great Red Dot/Green Dot Optic from Weaver.

Good luck out there.

Posted By: - T. Brandt (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 3/22/2011 10:33:23 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Stormchasers Site Growing--Even in Offseason

Stormchasersnetwork.com continues to draw a crowd, even when most of the country's bird seasons are closed and favorite hunting holes frozen over (literally in some surprising parts of the country). We now have over 7,000 members, and have doubled our membership since the lauch of Stormchasers 2.0 last September!

There is some great disucssions/sharing/bragging/chatting going on. Join the conversation.

Posted By: - T.Brandt (Pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 2/3/2011 2:31:05 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

25 Million Shotshells? Is that a lot?

Tomorrow we'll be sending out a release to announce the production of our 25 millionth Pheasants Forever shotgun shell. Pretty cool stuff. This staggering number of shells has given money directly to PF since the on-box royalty program began in 1998.

But just what does 25 Million shotshells mean? How can we put it in perspective? Well, if you took 25 million of mostly 2-3/4” empty/spent hulls (we’ve offered 3” steel options for the last couple of years) and placed them end-to-end, you could surround the state of Nebraska, which has a total border length of 1230 miles.

Why Nebraska? Well the seventh Pheasant Fest opens in Omaha this Friday, January 28. Check out more at www.pheasantfest.org.

Anyone else have any good ideas on how to illustrate 25 million shells?

Posted By: - T. Brandt (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 1/26/2011 2:06:31 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

SHOT 2011--Another Great Gathering for the Industry

Well, another SHOT Show is in the books. We truly enjoyed the chance to see so many great faces. We had a great show--and hope you did too. It was exciting to see just how strong the industry remains. There were numerous highlights, including seeing old friends, making new contacts and of course talking hunting, shooting, new products and good times.

We had plenty of exciting things to talk about, including Guard Dog Home Defense Ammo, Fusion Safari, Prairie Storm Steel, Weaver Tactical Scopes, Champion WheelyBird Traps, BLACKHAWK! Apparel, Buck Commander Optics and soft goods and much more. If you didn't get a chance to see any of these, check out www.outdoorwriters.atk.com.

Posted By: - T.Brandt (Pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 1/24/2011 12:44:58 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Happy New Year--Another Exciting Lineup of Products Coming

Happy New Year to everyone. Our team has been hard at work (just like every year) developing some great new products. This year we're very excited to introduce a lot of make-sense additions to our portfolio of products. From reloading to tactical apparel--we've got some great things to share.

We look forward to seeing you at SHOT in a few days. And whether you're going or not, be sure to check out our interactive press kit (all digital this year) going live at the end of this week.

Posted By: - T. Brandt (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 1/10/2011 2:17:17 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Industry Icon Passes Away

Nosler founder John Amos Nosler recently passed away of natural causes. He was 97. Nosler’s introduction of the Partition was the true beginning of the Premium hunting bullet category. He developed the Partition after experiencing a bullet failure on a mud-caked moose in British Columbia. Nosler returned to BC a year later with new bullets (Partitions), and took two moose with two shots. The Partition was one of our first Premium offerings and helped us establish a new category of high-quality factory-loaded ammunition. And it’s still a top seller today.

Here at Federal Premium Ammunition, we've loaded the Partition and other Nosler products for decades. We tip our hat to John and everyone else at Nosler as we remember, respect and appreciate what he did for this industry, our company and big game hunters across the world.  

Posted By: - Tim Brandt (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 11/1/2010 4:33:05 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Brock endures tough first round, sports Fusion logo during submission victory

Brock Lesnar successfully unified the UFC Heavyweight title during his July 3 bout with Shane Carwin in Las Vegas. It was a tough first round--Carwin's heavy hands got the best of Brock early, but the champ endured and came out the victor in the second round by way of submission.

The Fusion logo was prominently displayed on Brock's shorts, walkout shirt and banner. We're proud to have been associated with this outstanding event and look forward to seeing Brock defend again versus Cain Velasquez on October 23 in Anaheim, California.

Check out Brock videos and other Federal products at our new YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/federalpremiumammo

Posted By: - pressroom (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 7/15/2010 11:36:55 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

BLACKHAWK! Founder Noell Retires; Leaves a Strong Brand Promise

BLACKHAWK! founder and former President Mike Noell has decided to retire. His leadership during the acquisition helped ensure that the company has gotten off to a solid start under ATK ownership.

As most tactical market enthusiasts know, Mike started BLACKHAWK! from the ground up with nothing but a vision to support our country’s troops in battle. He has grown the business into one of the most respected tactical brands on the market. His initiative and entrepreneurial spirit are admirable and his story will continue to be a compelling piece of the brand promise for BLACKHAWK!.

We’re excited to have this great brand as part of our portfolio and look forward to bringing its products to our customers—from tactical enthusiasts to those who protect our country here and abroad.

Posted By: - pressroom (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 6/18/2010 1:57:44 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Update on Federal Premium Nosler offerings for the season

Here's an update on how the Nosler plant explosion might affect Federal Premium rifle offerings for this year.

We’re pleased that no one was seriously injured in the Nosler^® plant explosion. We anticipate limited availability of Nosler bullets in our Premium^® rifle ammunition offering this hunting season. We’re proud to offer the largest selection of high-quality bullets for hunters. Our Trophy Bonded^® and Trophy Bonded Tip, Barnes^® Triple-Shock and Sierra^® GameKing are all good alternatives to Nosler’s Partition^®, AccuBond^® and Ballistic Tip^®. We look forward to getting additional Nosler products once they are readily available again.

Posted By: - pressroom (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 6/16/2010 7:09:51 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Brock is Ready; Fusion Captures Camp

Brock Lesnar is ready to take on his next challenge in the cage--Interim Champion Shane Carwin--on July 3 in Las Vegas. Fusion gained access to Brock's camp and captured some of his thoughts leading up to the big event. Of course, we can't talk to Brock without some big buck banter...

See the first of the videos at the link below:
http://www.fusionammo.com/brock_lesnar/default.aspx

Posted By: - pressroom (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 6/8/2010 12:22:18 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Oh Telly!

Great news to report: two ATK-produced videos were awarded with Bronze Telly awards.

Public Relations Category
The Bullet Breakdown: Learn how different bullets perform in game-like barriers
Watch

Direct Marketing Category
Black Cloud Snow Goose Video: Introducing Federal Premium's latest edition of its highly successful Black Cloud waterfowl load
Watch

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 2/24/2010 1:22:03 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

2010 New Product Images Now Available in Resources

Well, we all survived the deluge of rain that came during the SHOT Show and are back in the office preparing for another great year. Our press kit is complete and all 2010 new product images and sell sheets have been uploaded to the resources area of this pressroom site. Look for news releases to be distributed via email when the season hits and samples become available.

We hope you're having a good start to 2010 and we hope to talk with you soon. Just don't mention the Vikings...

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 1/27/2010 2:17:14 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

ATK Trailer will be at SHOT Media Day

SHOT Show is right around the corner--get ready for media day

For those of you attending the 2010 SHOT Show, make sure you get to the media day event on January 18th. We'll be there showing off new items from all of our major brands. Check out our new Federal Premium Prairie Storm pheasant ammunition, Weaver Tactical and Buck Commander scopes and more.

For information on Media Day at the Range, visit www.media-day.com.

ATK trailer information
Original news release: http://tinyurl.com/ydqwooa

See you in Vegas

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 12/11/2009 1:23:45 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Black Cloud Stormchasers Network now over 1300 members strong

We're thrilled to report that we now have more than 1300 Stormchasers Network members and nine have reached the expert level--meaning they're extremely active and keeping the content fresh in this exciting community.

We've got a dedicated group of waterfowlers posting new photos and videos every day. The following link shows how serious some of them are taking the video contests.

http://community.stormchasersnetwork.com/_Da-Fowlers-No-Bag-Limit-Trailer/video/811433/124340.html

Join the discussion as the waterfowl migration map starts to get more colorful across the nation.

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 10/30/2009 11:24:29 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Retired Conservation Manager Bill Stevens Inducted into 4-H National Hall of Fame

I had the privilege of attending the induction ceremony for this year's 4-H National Hall of Fame in Chevy Chase, MD. Our 42-year veteran and now retired conservation manager Bill Stevens was added to an impressive list of inductees to the hall.

According to the National 4-H Hall of Fame, the awards are given in recognition and celebration of “...those people who have made an extraordinary impact on 4-H and the lives of millions of members.” It was a touching ceremony that reminds us all how important it is to develop young people into responsible adults and conscientious sportspeople.

Stevens carried on a tradition of educating youth through 4-H that was started by our founder Charles Horn nearly 80-years ago. The 4-H Shooting Sports program is still going strong today and Federal is expanding its presence with sister company Champion and the efforts of conservation specialist Ryan Bronson.

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 10/29/2009 1:53:19 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

A Federal Song?

As we work on developing new and useful content for our websites, we spend a little time researching historical information on our company--it's amazing how you always stumble upon an interesting nugget. Here are the words to Federal's official company song, written by Jean Lansing in 1981. I don't know to what tune it's written, but you can use your imagination.

From the main street of Anoka to the sides of highway ten

We will make those Federal Cartridges from dawn to the setting sun.

We will shoot them in the swamps, in the leafy woodlands too

We will always get our limit when we're using Federal shells.

For it's BANG, BANG, BANG in the swamp and on the land.

Hit all those pheasants, geese and ducks.

But where'er we go you will always know that the shells we are using are Feds.

That the shells we are using are Feds.

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 6/26/2009 9:20:24 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Brock on the Hunt

We just finished up a video shoot with heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. The champ is even bigger in real life (he ripped out 10 easy reps with 315-pounds on the bench) and we're all pumped to see him defend his title this summer. Look for a brand new 30-second Fusion spot this summer featuring Brock on the hunt and in the gym. We'll also be featuring a web interview soon on fusionammo.com that highlights what takes Brock to the woods each fall and why he's a Fusion man.

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 3/24/2009 2:49:34 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

An Outdoor Life Award for Trophy Tip

The last day of SHOT Show we were treated to a nice surprise. A representative from Outdoor Life Magazine stopped by and gave us a nice looking plaque that stated Trophy Bonded Tip had won Editor's Choice for Ammunition of the Year. What a great way to close out an already successful show.

We've got some great footage of Trophy Tip blasting through cow femur in The Bullet Breakdown. If you haven't had a chance to watch it see it here

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 2/20/2009 2:24:40 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Black Cloud Launch Leads to Additional Offerings

Word back from sales shows, trade shows and media members has all been positive. Demand for Black Cloud has been high. This positive response has prompted us to extended current Black Cloud offerings. This fall, waterfowlers across the nation will be able to take advantage of Black Cloud in #4 shot as well. We’re getting pretty excited as the first production date draws closer and closer. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the buzz this year. See below for product information.

PWB142 4     12ga, 3”, 1 ¼ oz #4 Black Cloud                        

PWB134 4     12ga, 3 1/2”, 1 1/2 oz #4 Black Cloud  

For more on Black Cloud, go to the New Product Sheets that can be found in the Image Resource Library section of the Pressroom. Also, check out www.dropduckslikerain.com.

Posted By: - T. Brandt (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 3/6/2007 2:45:50 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Shot String Slinky

We just finished doing some tips and tricks on waterfowl ammunition for one of the TV shows we sponsor--Waterfowler TV. They'll begin to air this summer. We decided the age old topic of shot string was one to touch on and could be visually represented with a simple prop--a Slinky.

Shot string is the result of the effect a barrel and choke have on a column of shot as it exits the shotgun. We found it interesting that for many years we've emphasized the importance of patterning a shotgun on a flat surface. We still contend it's the best way to find out where a particular gun will hit and with what pattern density, but a shot pattern is, in reality, very three-dimensional. You're not dealing with a flat disc of pellets, but rather a Matrix-like elongated sphere of bird dropping shot. Without the aid of Hollywood producers to recreate the effect of shot string relative to gravity and another dimension, we chose to visually demonstrate shot string with the stair-crawling favorite toy--Slinky. Although not a totally accurate representation of the exact dimensions of a typical shot column, this toy provided a simple and clear view of the effect choke has on a column of shot. And as Drew Goodlin pointed out, it's important not to over choke and string shot out too far. So the tip is to think in 3D, choose the right choke and consider shot string when evaluating leads and visualizing your shot on target. Thinking more about what shot does in flight will make shooters more sophisticated about their gun and ammunition and should result in more birds in the bag.

In another related demonstration, shotshell guru Rochelle Poore showed shot density variations using a golf ball to represent High Density shot and a child's plastic ball to represent a lighter steel pellet. There was a clear difference in the downrange energy and carry of each ball-type. It was yet another simple, real-world test to demonstrate key factors one should consider when choosing ammunition and choke.

So, although we pride ourselves on being a technology leader and part of the world's largest ammunition manufacturer, sometimes the best way to explain something is with a simple toy.  

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 6/10/2006 10:17:47 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Take a Step Back to Move Forward

With an ever-changing landscape here in our home country and across the continent, it's more important than ever to do more to protect our wildlife habitat. The team here at ATK is excited to continue to promote a conservation mindset as we head to the field and as we conduct our daily business—as is evidenced by our recent support of Quail Forever (now at 60 chapters in 21 different states; www.quailforever.org) and the Ducks Unlimited Grasslands for Tomorrow initiative (see DU’s new website at www.ducks.org--launching the week of May 8).

Federal has been involved with key conservation and education groups for almost its entire life as a company. Melissa Layne sits next to me in the department here in Anoka, Minnesota and is heading up a scrapbook project we're doing for the new RMEF building. It’s been amazing to see the kind of forward-thinking conservation efforts that were part of the Federal culture from the very beginning. Long before FLITECONTROL and TruBall, there was the Federal Cartridge conservation booklet: an outstanding collection of conservation and gun safety cartoons that are worth bringing out of storage. Some might be a bit dated, but most all carry a message that we all need to take with us to the field. Printed at the front of a weathered, gray tree-bark patterned pamphlet labeled simply “Compliments of Federal Cartridge Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota,” stands a strong statement that rings true still today:

The Sportsman: His Creed and Dogmas (from the 1950’s)

-Shoot carefully and respect the farmers’ property.
-Take only your share of the game; your license does not permit you to shoot or fish for another.
-Leave a goodly number for replenishment. Don’t always take the limit.
-Stamp out all fires.
-Feed the birds in winter.
-Do not burn the meadows in nesting time.
-Drive with care—the wild life cannot cope with our speed.
-Remember the child is somebody’s boy or girl—Do not drive recklessly or carelessly. Preserve a life.

The one thought from this list that really stood out for me was “…the wild life cannot cope with our speed.” Our speed, whether in a vehicle or a bulldozer, is what’s threatening our vital habitat and our future in the field. There’s certainly time to react—that’s why we’re engaging in strategy with our partner conservation groups and encouraging hunters to take part in important wildlife and habitat initiatives. As the speed of life increases, let’s remember to take a step back now and then. Our pace might reach a velocity that even we can’t cope with…

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 5/5/2006 3:11:08 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

Champion SST Thrower Earns Best of State Recognition

Late Breaking Blog News
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle recently congratulated 11 recipients of the Governor’s New Product Awards. The awards were given at the 35th annual Governor’s New Product Awards Banquet, held on April 13, 2006 at SC Grand’s, Frank’s Dinner Theatre, DePere.

ATK's Onalaska Operations--makers of products by Gunslick, Outers, Champion, Shooters Ridge, Ram-Line and Weaver--earned second place in the Mega Company division and was presented with a commemorative plaque to hang on premise at the plant. ATK's Mega status put it in the heavyweight division of this event and made it second only to bathroom fixture giant Kohler. Not bad considering the vast difference in size of target market...

BEST OF STATE WINNERS

Mega Company (10,000+ employees)
Kohler Company, Kohler, WI    First Place
-Cimarron -- A comfort height toilet with Class Five technology

ATK/Onalaska Operations, Onalaska, WI     Second Place
-SST Single Stack Electric Trap - For backyard sporting clay shooters

Kohler Company, Kohler, WI   Third Place
WaterTile – Flush mount body spray with pivoting spray face

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 4/21/2006 3:04:15 PM | Comments (0) | Post Comment

ATK foray into bloggerspace

Posted By: - J. Nash (pressroom@atk.com)
Date: - 4/19/2006 10:06:11 AM | Comments (0) | Post Comment