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thickness of the copper-plated jacket, skive depth, hollowpoint geometry, and even differences in lead cores to build the recipe for Punch. For example, we decided to use a softer lead, which produces a more traditional kind of mushroom around the jacket. We also utilized all-brass cases, high-quality powders, reliable primers with primer seal, and proven bullet profiles and geometry for reliable feeding. All in all, Punch is a superior self-defense product, but at a lower price point compared to duty ammunition.”

Punch initially launched in five cartridges, all of which utilize bullets that are optimized for proper expansion and penetration in that specific caliber. Rather than developing a single bullet design for all five loads, the team at Federal evaluated each caliber individually and determined which bullet design and weight would work most effectively for each load.

The five Punch options at launch included a .380 Auto 85-grain load, a .38 Special +P 120-grain load, a 9mm 147-grain load, a .40 S&W 16-grain load, and a .45 Auto 230-grain load. Federal recently added a .38 Special +P 120-grain load and a .44 S&W Special 180grain load, increasing the total handgun cartridge options to seven. SRP: $22.99 to $35.99, per box of 20.

In 2022, a slight change was made to Punch handgun loads. Punch still performs at a very high level, but it looks a bit different. The nickel plating on its brass cases suffered from a component inventory availability factor and has now been eliminated to make the ammo more easily manufactured at a greater capacity. Because of the change in cases, Punch handgun loads are now branded and packaged as Federal’s standard ammunition.

For 2023, Federal will be concentrating on Punch Rimfire. The company launched Punch 22 LR in 2021, and though it rolled out Punch 22 WMR last year, no one saw it at SHOT Show 2022. But it’s here this year. “At Federal we knew that some people were choosing to carry .22 LR firearms for self-defense. If that was going to be case, we wanted to create a bullet that was as effective as possible at stopping the threat in that platform,” says Dan Compton, Federal’s rimfire product manager. “Federal Premium’s Punch Personal Defense 22 LR utilizes a nickel-plated lead-core bullet that is propelled at extreme velocities and engineered to minimize expansion to hit critical penetration depths through short-barrel handguns. Stringent function testing also ensures the most reliable ignition, cycling, and overall performance. So, whether you want to carry a backup gun, don’t feel comfortable with centerfire recoil, or simply want to get more versatility from your rimfire pistol, for the first time ever Punch makes these cartridges viable choices for self-defense.”

Maximum velocity is 1,070 fps through twoinch barrel handguns, 1,650 fps out of 24-inch rifle barrels.

“After the launch of the Punch 22 LR, we saw the great response to that round and wanted to expand the product line’s rimfire options. New Punch 22 WMR allows rimfire users to have effective performance but now in the magnum cartridge,” he says. “The nickel-plated, lead-core bullet on the 22 WMR is a larger 45-grain bullet that expands on impact like a traditional personaldefense option. This is different, compared to Punch 22 LR. Punch 22 LR’s bullet design focuses solely on penetration, whereas the 22 WMR’s bullet design both expands and penetrates. Punch 22 WMR is a great round for popular .22 WMR revolvers, and we are seeing some new semi-auto platforms enter the market as well.”

Maximum muzzle velocity, for energy and penetration, for 22 WMR is 1,000 fps through a 2-inch barrel and 1,800 fps through rifle barrels. Both Punch Rimfire loads also utilize nickel-plated cases for ease of extraction and corrosion resistance, which ultimately helps drive its Federal Premium packaging and branding. SRP: $10.99, 22LR; $25.99, 22WMR. Box of 50. Booth #11338

(federalpremium.com)

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