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

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.