Elevating Your Rimfire Experience: Federal 712 Small Game & Target High Velocity 22 LR Ammunition

For dedicated small game hunters, enthusiastic target shooters, and recreational plinkers, the choice of ammunition is paramount. You need a round that offers consistent, reliable performance without breaking the bank. Whether you're pursuing elusive squirrels through dense foliage, aiming for precision on the range, or simply enjoying an afternoon of plinking cans, the right .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge can significantly enhance your experience and results. This is precisely where Federal Game-Shok 712 Small Game & Target High Velocity .22 LR ammunition distinguishes itself.

What Makes Federal Game-Shok 712 an Ideal Choice?

This particular offering from Federal is engineered to address the core needs of rimfire enthusiasts. It combines proven ballistic performance with an accessible price point, ensuring that you can spend more time in the field or at the firing line and less time worrying about the cost of your sport. Federal’s commitment to quality manufacturing means each round delivers dependable ignition and consistent velocities, critical factors for accuracy and effective terminal performance on small game.

Who Is This Ammunition Designed For?

The Federal 712 Small Game & Target High Velocity .22 LR is perfectly suited for a variety of users, including:

• Small Game Hunters: Individuals who regularly hunt small game like squirrels, rabbits, or even certain bird species where a .22 LR is appropriate. The copper-plated hollow point design ensures effective energy transfer for quick, humane dispatch.
• Target Shooters: Those who frequent the shooting range for practice, plinking, or informal competitions. Its affordability allows for extended shooting sessions without significant cost concerns.
• Pest Control Operators: For responsible control of nuisance varmints where a low-recoil, high-velocity rimfire round is suitable.
• Budget-Conscious Shooters: Anyone looking for high-quality, reliable .22 LR ammunition that offers excellent value for money.
• Beginners and Experienced Shooters: Its manageable recoil and consistent performance make it a great choice for new shooters learning the fundamentals, while experienced marksmen will appreciate its reliability for practice and hunting.

Unpacking the Performance: Why the 38 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point?

The core of the Federal 712's effectiveness lies in its specific bullet design: a 38-grain Copper Plated Hollow Point (CPHP). Let's delve into why this configuration is so beneficial:

The Significance of Copper Plating

Copper plating is a crucial feature for rimfire ammunition. Unlike bare lead bullets, copper-plated bullets offer several distinct advantages:

1. Reduced Lead Fouling: Copper plating significantly reduces the amount of lead deposited in your firearm's barrel. This means less frequent cleaning is required, extending the life of your barrel and maintaining accuracy over longer shooting sessions.
2. Improved Feeding: The smoother, harder surface of a copper-plated bullet can improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic firearms, reducing the chances of jams or misfeeds.
3. Enhanced Ballistic Consistency: The uniform plating contributes to more consistent bullet weights and dimensions, which translates directly to improved accuracy downrange.
4. Corrosion Resistance: While not the primary function, the copper layer provides an additional barrier against oxidation of the lead core.

The Power of the Hollow Point Design

A hollow point bullet features a cavity in its nose, designed to expand upon impact. For small game hunting, this expansion is vital:

• Increased Energy Transfer: As the bullet expands, it transfers more of its kinetic energy to the target, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of a clean, humane kill. This is paramount for ethical hunting practices.
• Improved Stopping Power: The expansion helps to slow the bullet down more rapidly within the target, ensuring that the maximum amount of energy is imparted, which is crucial for quick incapacitation of small animals.
• Reduced Over-Penetration: Compared to solid point bullets, hollow points are less likely to over-penetrate small game, making them a safer choice in certain environments and ensuring all energy is expended within the target.

High Velocity for Superior Performance: 1260 FPS and 134 ft-lbs

The "High Velocity" designation isn't just a marketing term; it's a key performance indicator. With a muzzle velocity of 1260 feet per second (fps) and generating 134 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of muzzle energy, Federal 712 ammunition delivers several tangible benefits:

• Flatter Trajectory: Higher velocity bullets tend to fly flatter over typical rimfire distances, simplifying aiming and reducing the need for significant holdover adjustments, especially when hunting small, fast-moving targets.
• Increased Range: While a .22 LR is inherently limited in its effective range, a higher velocity round maintains its energy and trajectory more effectively at extended distances compared to standard or subsonic loads.
• Enhanced Terminal Ballistics: The combination of high velocity and the hollow point design optimizes the bullet's expansion upon impact, ensuring that the 38-grain CPHP performs exactly as intended for swift and humane small game dispatch.
• Reliable Cycling in Semi-Automatics: Many semi-automatic .22 LR firearms cycle more reliably with high-velocity ammunition, as the increased recoil impulse helps to properly operate the action.

The Federal Difference: Consistency and Reliability

Federal Premium Ammunition has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition. This reputation is built on rigorous manufacturing processes and stringent quality control. When you choose Federal Game-Shok 712, you're not just buying a box of bullets; you're investing in decades of ballistic expertise and a commitment to performance. Every round is engineered to provide consistent muzzle velocity, reliable primer ignition, and uniform bullet construction, which are all critical for predictable accuracy shot after shot.

Real-World Applications and Common Questions Answered

Let's explore some scenarios and answer frequently asked questions that demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of Federal 712 ammunition:

"What is the best .22 LR ammo for squirrels and rabbits?"
For small game like squirrels and rabbits, the Federal 712 with its 38-grain copper-plated hollow point is an excellent choice. The hollow point ensures rapid energy transfer upon impact, leading to quick, humane kills, while the high velocity provides a flatter trajectory for more precise shot placement in the field. Its affordability also means you can carry plenty of rounds without hesitation.

"I need affordable, reliable .22 LR for plinking. Is this a good option?"
Absolutely. While designed for small game and target shooting, the Federal 712's competitive pricing per box and case makes it an ideal bulk ammunition choice for plinking. Its reliability means fewer stoppages and more uninterrupted fun at the range or in the backyard. The reduced lead fouling from the copper plating is an added bonus for high-volume shooting sessions.

"How does Federal's high-velocity .22 LR perform for pest control or varmints?"
For ethical and effective pest control where a .22 LR is appropriate, the high velocity and hollow point design of Federal 712 provide a decisive advantage. The increased speed ensures sufficient energy for dispatching small varmints, while the expanding bullet maximizes the impact, reducing the chance of non-fatal hits. Always ensure legal and safe practices when engaging in pest control.

"What are the benefits of using copper-plated hollow points versus solid lead bullets?"
The primary benefits of copper-plated hollow points like the Federal 712 are superior terminal performance on game due to expansion, reduced lead fouling in the barrel (which extends barrel life and maintains accuracy), and improved feeding reliability in semi-automatic firearms. While solid lead bullets are often cheaper, they lack the immediate expansion critical for humane harvesting of small game and can lead to more lead residue in your firearm.

"Where can I find Federal 712 Small Game & Target High Velocity .22 LR?"
This dependable ammunition, identified by its UPC 029465056155, is readily available at reputable sporting goods retailers. For a wide selection and competitive pricing, DEGuns is a recommended source for all your ammunition needs, including this specific Federal product.

Maximizing Your Results: Tips for Using Federal 712

• Know Your Rifle: Every .22 LR rifle has a preference for certain ammunition. While Federal 712 is highly consistent, shooting a few groups at the range will confirm how well your specific firearm performs with this load.
• Practice at Hunting Distances: If using for small game, practice at the typical distances you expect to encounter game. This helps you understand the bullet's trajectory and your rifle's zero with this specific ammunition.
• Clean Your Firearm Regularly: While copper plating reduces fouling, regular cleaning of your rimfire rifle or pistol is still essential for maintaining accuracy and reliability.
• Consider Bullet Drop: Even with high velocity, a .22 LR experiences bullet drop over distance. Familiarize yourself with the ballistic trajectory for this 38-grain CPHP round to make accurate shots at varying ranges.

In summary, the Federal 712 Small Game & Target High Velocity 22 LR with its 38-grain Copper Plated Hollow Point bullet stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone seeking reliable, effective, and economical rimfire ammunition. It's engineered to perform, whether you're bagging game, honing your marksmanship, or simply enjoying the pleasure of shooting. Its blend of high velocity, terminal performance, and consistent quality, backed by the trusted Federal brand, makes it a staple for any rimfire enthusiast's ammunition stock. This particular product, identifiable by UPC 029465056155, exemplifies the balance between affordability and performance that modern shooters demand.

Product Specifications Overview

Attribute	Detail	Value
Brand	Manufacturer	Federal
Model / Series	Product Line	Small Game & Target High Velocity
Caliber	Ammunition Type	22 LR
Bullet Type	Projectile Design	Copper Plated Hollow Point
Bullet Weight	Projectile Mass	38 gr
Muzzle Velocity	Initial Speed	1260 fps
Muzzle Energy	Initial Kinetic Energy	134 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	Unit Quantity	50
Boxes Per Case	Bulk Quantity	100
Casing Material	Cartridge Casing	Brass
Application / Game Type	Intended Use	Hunting / Small Game
Product Identifier (MPN)	Manufacturer Part Number	712
Unique Product Code (UPC)	Universal Product Code	029465056155