The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is a tiny round, measuring only 1” long, and was introduced as early as 1884. Despite its age and small size, it remains incredibly popular for plinking, competition, and even personal defense. Federal Premium offers a wide variety of .22 LR ammunition designed to meet the specific needs of different shooters.
Below is a detailed look into the ballistics of some of Federal’s most popular .22 LR loads, followed by a breakdown of what these numbers mean for your shooting experience.
Federal .22 LR Ballistics Chart
This table compares the muzzle velocity, energy, and bullet styles of three standout Federal .22 LR cartridges: Gold Medal Match, AutoMatch, and Personal Defense Punch.
| Ammo Product Name | Bullet Weight | Bullet Style | Muzzle Velocity | 100 Yd Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
| Federal Gold Medal Match | 40 gr | Lead Round Nose (Match) | 1080 fps | 930 fps | 104 ft-lbs |
| Federal AutoMatch | 40 gr | Solid Projectile | 1200 fps | 990 fps | 128 ft-lbs |
| Federal Personal Defense Punch | 29 gr | Nickel Plated Flat Nose | 1080 fps | – | 75 ft-lbs |
Explanations of the Loads
1. Federal Gold Medal Match
Designed for precision and consistency, the Gold Medal Match load utilizes a standard 40-grain Lead Round Nose bullet.
- Performance: It leaves the muzzle at 1080 fps with 104 ft-lbs of energy. By the time it reaches 100 yards, the velocity drops to 930 fps.
- Best Use: This round is engineered for competitive shooters who need tight groups and reliable accuracy at standard target distances.
2. Federal AutoMatch
Federal AutoMatch is a bulk ammunition option specifically designed for reliable cycling in semi-automatic firearms.
- Performance: It features a 40-grain solid projectile with a factory-stated muzzle velocity of 1200 fps. While it will likely be supersonic out of most rifles, it may remain subsonic when fired from pistols. At 100 yards, the velocity slows down to approximately 990 fps.
- Best Use: Excellent for high-volume target practice and plinking, particularly in semi-automatic rifles and handguns.
3. Federal Personal Defense Punch
While rimfire ammunition is not traditionally recommended for self-defense, Federal designed the Punch line to maximize the effectiveness of the .22 LR in short-barreled handguns.
- Performance: Instead of a traditional expanding hollow point, the Punch load uses a 29-grain Nickel Plated Flat Nose bullet. It is propelled at 1080 fps and generates 75 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.
- Best Use: The projectile profile and composition are optimized to achieve the deepest possible penetration through short-barrel handguns, making it a viable option if a .22 LR pistol is your primary or backup defensive firearm.