Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For shooters carrying 22 WMR revolvers or seeking a low-recoil defensive option, the Federal Premium Personal Defense Punch 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire load redefines rimfire viability. This 45-grain jacketed hollow point achieves 1,000 fps from a 2-inch test barrel, delivering 100 foot-pounds of muzzle energy — Federal Premium’s first 22 WMR self defense ammo engineered specifically for penetration depth through modern barriers when fired from snub-nose platforms.
Performance at a Glance
The Punch bullet uses a nickel-plated lead core with a profile optimized for barrier penetration and controlled expansion. Federal Premium pushed velocity to the subsonic threshold (1,000 fps) in short barrels, while rifle-length barrels clock 1,800 fps. Nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion in humid carry environments and extract cleanly in single-action and double-action revolvers. Each 50-round box undergoes function testing in Federal Premium’s protocol to confirm ignition reliability across rimfire platforms.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) |
| Bullet weight | 45 grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Hollow Point (Federal Punch) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,000 fps (2″ barrel) / 1,800 fps (rifle barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 100 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 50 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Rimfire |
| Lead Free | No |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
This load sits in the 22 WMR ammo category alongside target and varmint offerings, but the Punch projectile distinguishes itself with a barrier-blind design absent in traditional rimfire hollow points.
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.
- Observe the four rules of firearm safety — treat every firearm as loaded, keep finger off trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, know your target and what’s beyond it.
- Verify current federal, state, and local laws regarding ammunition purchase, possession, and transport in your jurisdiction before ordering.
- This ammunition contains lead — wash hands after handling and follow California Proposition 65 exposure warnings during indoor range use.
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