Federal makes its ammo in Anoka, Minnesota, and its rimfire line runs from cheap bulk packs to a purpose-built defense round. If you shoot a lot of 22, there is a good chance a Federal box has passed through your rifle. This guide covers the Federal 22LR ammo we carry, how each line differs, and how to pick the right one for your gun.
How Federal Organizes Its 22LR Ammo
Federal’s rimfire loads fall into four groups:
- Bulk value packs: Champion, BYOB, Black Pack and AutoMatch.
- Hunting: Game-Shok.
- Special purpose: HammerDown for lever guns and American Eagle Suppressor.
- Defense: Punch.
Bulk Packs for Plinking and Training
AutoMatch
The Federal AutoMatch 40-grain round nose was made for semi-auto rifles and pistols. It lists 1,200 fps and 128 ft-lb. It comes in 325-round packs, and we carry the 3,250-round case. That is a lot of range time in one box.
Champion and BYOB
The Champion 36-grain plated hollow point lists 1,260 fps and 126 ft-lb in a 525-round bulk pack. BYOB uses the same style of 36-grain hollow point at the same speed, packed 450 rounds to a bag. A Champion 40-grain round nose bulk pack is also on our shelves.
Black Pack
The Black Pack 36-grain lead hollow point comes in a 1,100-round bulk pack. It lists 1,260 fps and 127 ft-lb. Bulk hollow points like this do double duty on small pests.
Hunting: Game-Shok
Game-Shok is Federal’s hunting brand. The Game-Shok 38-grain plated hollow point lists 1,260 fps and 138 ft-lb. It comes in 50-round boxes. Use it on squirrels, rabbits and other small game at sensible rimfire range. Check your state’s hunting rules first.
Special-Purpose Loads
HammerDown for Lever Guns
Federal built the HammerDown 40-grain plated hollow point for lever-action rimfire rifles. The goal is smooth feeding from tube magazines. Federal does not list a speed for this pack in our catalog, so we leave the number out.
American Eagle Suppressor
The American Eagle Suppressor 45-grain round nose lists 970 fps and 94 ft-lb. It stays below the speed of sound, so there is no sonic crack. The heavy bullet helps semi-autos cycle at that slower speed.
Defense: Federal Punch 22LR
Punch is Federal’s rimfire defense load. It uses a 29-grain nickel-plated flat nose bullet. The Federal Punch 22LR lists 1,080 fps and 75 ft-lb. Federal designed it for short-barrel handguns.
A 22LR is still a small round. Most trainers suggest a centerfire handgun if you can shoot one well. If a 22 is your best fit, pick a load your gun feeds every time and practice. Laws on carry and ammo type vary, so check local rules. Our guide to reading 22 LR gel test results explains how defense loads are judged.
Federal 22LR Ammo Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE Suppressor | 45 | RN | 970 | 94 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Punch | 29 | Nickel flat nose | 1,080 | 75 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| AutoMatch | 40 | RN | 1,200 | 128 | 3,250-round case (10 x 325) |
| Champion HP | 36 | Plated HP | 1,260 | 126 | 525-round bulk pack |
| BYOB | 36 | Plated HP | 1,260 | 127 | 450-round bulk pack |
| Black Pack | 36 | Lead HP | 1,260 | 127 | 1,100-round bulk pack |
| Game-Shok | 38 | Plated HP | 1,260 | 138 | 50-round box |
| HammerDown | 40 | Plated HP | Not listed | Not listed | 325-round bulk pack |
Velocity and energy are Federal’s published muzzle data. Where no number is listed, we don’t guess.
Choosing Federal 22LR Ammo for Your Gun
Semi-auto rifle or pistol: AutoMatch, Champion or BYOB. These high velocity loads cycle most actions.
Lever-action rifle: HammerDown was made for you.
Suppressed: American Eagle Suppressor.
Small game: Game-Shok or any of the bulk hollow points.
Bolt gun for accuracy: Try a few loads and shoot groups at 50 yards. Every rimfire barrel has its own preference.
Buying in Bulk
Once you find a load your gun likes, buy it in bulk. Big packs cost less per round, and you get the same lot of ammo for longer. That keeps your groups and function steady from one range trip to the next. Store rimfire ammo in a cool, dry place, such as a sealed ammo can. Heat and moisture are the main enemies of old ammo.
Remember that a 22LR bullet can fly more than a mile. Know your backstop every time.
Federal shares a parent company with CCI. Our CCI 22LR ammo guide covers that lineup.
Shop Federal 22LR Ammo
See every load in our Federal 22LR ammo category, or compare all brands in the main 22LR ammo section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Federal 22LR ammo for a semi-auto?
AutoMatch was built for semi-auto rifles and pistols, and it lists 1,200 fps with a 40-grain bullet. Champion and BYOB 36-grain hollow points list 1,260 fps and also cycle most semi-autos. Test a box in your gun before buying in bulk.
Is 22LR good for self-defense?
A 22LR is light on power, and most trainers prefer a centerfire handgun for defense. If a 22 is what you can shoot well, Federal Punch was built for that role in short-barrel handguns. Practice often and check your state and local laws.
What is Federal HammerDown 22LR?
HammerDown is a Federal rimfire load made for lever-action rifles. It uses a 40-grain plated hollow point and is designed to feed smoothly from tube magazines. It also works in other 22LR firearms.
Can a 22LR kill a deer?
A 22LR is a small game round. Many states do not allow rimfire cartridges for deer hunting, and the round lacks the power for clean, ethical kills on big game. Use a legal centerfire cartridge and check your state’s hunting regulations.
Where is Federal ammo made?
Federal Premium is based in Anoka, Minnesota, where it makes much of its ammunition. Federal shares a parent company with CCI and Speer, which is why you may see Speer bullet names on some Federal loads.
