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

TriStar Raptor II Walnut
TriStar Raptor II Walnut

Review: TriStar Raptor II Walnut

TriStar Arms offers an extensive variety of cost-effective shotguns, including this walnut-stocked Raptor II, the latest in the company's semi-automatic line.

Preview: TangoDown iO Cover For Aimpoint T-2

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 and H-2 are quality, versatile red-dot optics, but they are also expensive, and, like all such units, can sustain damage from impacts and the elements.

Hornady’s 338 ARC

The latest hard-hitting Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady, the 338 ARC, takes a swing at both established numbers and newcomers—after already producing successful offspring. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 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.

Youth Firearm Education, Shooting Leagues On The Rise

Several states have instituted firearm education courses for students in public schools, and several scholastic shooting leagues have posted record attendance numbers in recent years.

Preview: Fix-It Sticks Rifle And Optics Toolkit With All-In-One Torque Driver

An optic coming loose can ruin a hunt or a range session, so having a pocket-size remedy such as the Fix-It Sticks Rifle and Optics Toolkit is a prudent hedge.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.