Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Federal Premium 44 Remington Magnum Barnes XPB load pairs a 225-grain solid hollow point with nickel-plated brass and a clean-burning propellant charge that pushes the bullet to 1280 feet per second from a 6-inch test barrel. This lead-free hunting cartridge generates 818 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and meets California Condor Preservation Act requirements, making it legal in all lead-restricted hunting zones. The Barnes XPB projectile is machined from a single piece of copper — no jacket to separate, no lead core to fragment. On impact, the hollow point peels back into four to six cutting petals while the shank drives forward, producing wound channels that outperform traditional jacketed hollow points in tissue and gel testing. Penetration increases by up to 25% over lead-core designs of comparable weight, and retained weight typically exceeds 99%.
Performance at a Glance
Federal Premium sources Barnes XPB projectiles, seats them to consistent depths, and pairs each round with a Boxer primer and nickel-plated case. The nickel finish resists corrosion in humid climates and cycles smoothly through lever-action and revolver chambers. Recoil is moderate for the 44 Magnum chambering — shooters accustomed to 240-grain jacketed soft points will notice a slight reduction in felt impulse due to the lighter bullet and optimized powder charge. The all-copper construction eliminates lead exposure at the firing line and in the field, a requirement in California and increasingly common in other jurisdictions with lead-free mandates.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 44 Remington Magnum |
| Bullet weight | 225 grains |
| Bullet type | Barnes XPB solid hollow point |
| Muzzle velocity | 1280 fps (6-inch barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 818 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead-free | Yes (California-compliant) |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
This load is engineered for revolvers and lever-action carbines chambered in 44 Remington Magnum. Expect point-of-aim shifts if you switch from heavier 240-grain or lighter 180-grain practice rounds — confirm zero at your hunting distance before heading to the field. For more lead-free hunting options, browse our 44 magnum ammo inventory.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your firearm is rated for 44 Remington Magnum before loading. Do not chamber 44 Special in a firearm marked for 44 Magnum and expect safe function with magnum loads.
- This ammunition contains copper, which may produce trace particulates during firing. Lead-free does not mean zero exposure to heavy metals — wash hands after handling fired cases and use adequate ventilation when shooting indoors.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.