Preview: Federal Premium Punch .22 Long Rifle

by
posted on January 28, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
federal-premium-punch-22-long-rifle-defensive-f.jpg
While .22 Long Rifle isn't a top choice for personal-defense use, there are many rimfire guns on the market ideally sized for concealed carry or personal-defense use, and some owners may prefer to use these low-recoil, easy-to-carry options. To cater to this market, Federal Premium expanded its Punch line of defensive ammunition to include the .22 Long Rifle chambering.

This .22 Long Rifle load is the first time Federal Premium has ever offered a defensive-oriented load in this particular chambering. It's notable that there is demand for a defensive rimfire offering, which reflects growing confidence on the part of consumers in the reliability of rimfire ammunition, as well as the guns that feed it.

The Federal Premium Punch .22 Long Rifle load features a 29-gr. lead-core bullet with a nickel plating. The bullet profile is designed to optimize penetration, particularly when fired through short-barreled handguns, like those from North American Arms. The bullets are seated inside nickel-plated cases that provide easier extraction and better corrosion-resistance compared to brass cases. Additionally, Federal's aggressive testing and quality-control protocols are designed to heighten reliability in these defensive-oriented loads.

Since the Federal Premium Punch .22 Long Rifle load is designed for use through short barrels, the company released testing data fired through a 2" barrel, and the specially formulated powder blend achieved a muzzle velocity of 1,070 f.p.s. When fired through a 24" rifle barrel, that velocity increased to 1,650 f.p.s.

Federal Premium's .22 Long Rifle Punch load is sold in boxes of 50 rounds, and the suggested retail price is $9.99. For more information, visit federalpremium.com.

Latest

Springfield Armory Echelon Rifleman Review 1
Springfield Armory Echelon Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

CzechPoint Introduces New vz.58 Rifles & Pistols

CzechPoint USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Czech Small Arms, is now importing a number of new vz.58 rifles and pistols, including a matte "Military Black" version, as well as state-compliant models.

Handloads: A Quiet .308 Win. For Large-Format Pistols

Of the many commercial .308 Winchester loads, few, if any, are designed for barrels shorter than 16". The one that follows helps address this gap while remaining simple to suppress and light on the wrists.

Court Approves Watchtower Firearms DIP Financing

Watchtower Firearms was granted final approval for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas in late June.

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.