Federal Gold Medal Match 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Ammunition: The Precision Standard for Shooters

For discerning shooters seeking unparalleled accuracy and consistent performance from their rimfire firearms, the Federal Gold Medal Match 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose ammunition stands as a definitive choice. Bearing the SKU 711B and identified by UPC 029465057107, this isn't just another box of .22 LR; it’s a meticulously engineered "blueprint round" with a championship pedigree. Its design legacy traces back to the very ammunition that empowered the USA Olympic Team to secure Gold medals at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, a testament to its exceptional precision and reliability.

Why Choose Federal Gold Medal Match 711B? Unleashing Your Rifle's Full Potential

Are you wondering what makes certain ammunition rise above the rest, particularly in the highly competitive and precision-demanding world of rimfire shooting? The answer often lies in meticulous engineering and a commitment to consistency, both hallmarks of Federal Premium Ammunition. This specific Gold Medal Match load, the 711B, is engineered for shooters who demand the absolute best from their .22 Long Rifle firearms.

Who benefits most from this exceptional ammunition?

• Competitive Rimfire Shooters: Whether you're competing in Olympic-style target shooting, benchrest competitions, or precision plinking matches, the unparalleled accuracy of this round can give you a crucial edge. It’s designed to deliver tight groups and predictable ballistics shot after shot.
• Dedicated Trainers and Marksmen: For those committed to refining their shooting fundamentals, consistent ammunition is paramount. This Federal offering provides the uniform performance needed to diagnose technique, minimize variables, and build true proficiency.
• Pest Control Specialists: When ethical and effective pest management demands precise shot placement, the solid lead round nose bullet offers reliable penetration and energy transfer without over-penetration or excessive fragmentation, making it ideal for nuisance varmints.
• Hunters of Small Game: For ethical harvesting of small game like squirrels and rabbits, the controlled ballistics and reliable accuracy ensure clean, humane kills.
• Suppressed Firearm Enthusiasts: With a muzzle velocity rated as subsonic, this ammunition is perfectly suited for use with sound suppressors, minimizing the audible report and enhancing the shooting experience, especially in areas where noise reduction is critical.

The core problem this ammunition solves is the inherent variability often found in mass-produced rimfire ammunition. Many .22 LR rounds can suffer from inconsistent bullet weights, variable powder charges, or poor quality control, leading to frustrating flyers and unpredictable performance. The Federal Gold Medal Match 711B is explicitly designed to eliminate these variables, offering a level of uniformity that translates directly into tighter groups and greater confidence on the range or in the field.

The Engineering Behind Championship Performance

What sets the Federal Gold Medal Match 711B apart? It’s a culmination of precision manufacturing and a deep understanding of ballistic science.

Key Technical Specifications & Their Impact:

• Caliber: 22 Long Rifle: The most popular rimfire cartridge globally, known for its versatility, low recoil, and cost-effectiveness for training and plinking.
• Bullet Weight: 40 Grains: This is a classic and highly effective bullet weight for the .22 LR, offering a balanced trajectory and energy for various applications. It contributes to excellent ballistic stability.
• Bullet Style: Lead Round Nose (LRN): The LRN bullet design is known for its excellent feeding reliability in a wide array of .22 LR firearms, from semi-automatic pistols and rifles to bolt-action models. Its solid construction ensures consistent penetration, making it effective for training and small game/pest hunting where expansion isn't the primary goal. The uniformity of the round nose also contributes significantly to aerodynamic consistency, a critical factor for accuracy.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1080 fps (feet per second): This velocity places the Federal Gold Medal Match 711B squarely in the "subsonic" category under standard atmospheric conditions. This is a deliberate design choice that yields multiple benefits.
  • Suppression Optimization: For shooters using sound suppressors, subsonic ammunition prevents the sonic crack that occurs when a bullet breaks the sound barrier (approximately 1125 fps at sea level), resulting in significantly quieter shooting.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Avoiding the transonic zone (where a bullet transitions from supersonic to subsonic speeds) eliminates potential instability and turbulence that can negatively affect a bullet's flight path, leading to tighter groups downrange.
• Velocity Rating: Subsonic / Standard Velocity: This dual rating reinforces its suitability for suppressed shooting while also indicating it performs excellently as a standard velocity round, avoiding the often erratic performance of "hyper-velocity" .22 LR loads.
• Muzzle Energy: 104 ft. lbs. (foot-pounds): This energy level is more than sufficient for ethical dispatch of small game and pests within typical rimfire engagement distances. It indicates effective energy transfer upon impact, contributing to clean, humane outcomes.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The versatility of the Federal Gold Medal Match 711B makes it an indispensable addition to any rimfire shooter's ammunition inventory.

1. Precision Target Shooting and Competition:
   This is where the "Gold Medal Match" designation truly shines. When every point counts, you need ammunition that minimizes variables. The precise manufacturing tolerances, consistent bullet weight, and uniform powder charge of the 711B translate into predictable performance, allowing shooters to focus purely on their technique. It's the go-to choice for disciplines like:

   • Olympic and International Smallbore Rifle: Replicating the training conditions and precision requirements of elite athletes.
   • NRA Smallbore Rifle: Competitive events demanding utmost accuracy at various distances.
   • Benchrest and Silhouette Shooting: Where minute-of-angle (MOA) precision is the ultimate goal.
   • Basic Marksmanship Training: Teaching new shooters consistency and proper fundamentals without the added recoil and expense of centerfire rounds.

2. Effective and Ethical Pest Control:
   For managing nuisance animals such as squirrels, rats, or other small varmints around properties, the Federal 711B offers a potent solution. The 40-grain solid lead round nose bullet delivers reliable penetration, ensuring humane dispatch with well-placed shots. Its subsonic nature also makes it an excellent choice for use in populated areas (where permitted and safe) or where noise reduction is a priority, especially when paired with a suppressor. This allows for discreet and effective control, minimizing disturbance.

3. Small Game Hunting:
   Whether it’s squirrels in the canopy or rabbits in the brush, the consistent accuracy and sufficient energy of this 40-grain LRN bullet make it an excellent choice for bagging small game. The controlled expansion (or lack thereof) of the LRN design helps preserve meat while ensuring clean kills when shots are placed accurately. Its mild report also minimizes disturbance to the surrounding environment and other potential game animals.

4. Suppressed Shooting:
   The inherent subsonic velocity of the 711B makes it a favorite among shooters who utilize sound suppressors on their .22 LR firearms. By staying below the speed of sound, the ammunition eliminates the distinct "crack" of a supersonic bullet, resulting in a much quieter overall report. This significantly enhances the shooting experience, reduces hearing fatigue, and makes it more enjoyable for extended range sessions or discreet pest control operations.

The Legacy of Excellence: Born from Olympic Gold

The story of the Federal Gold Medal Match 711B is deeply intertwined with a legacy of competitive excellence. Federal engineers poured years into developing this "blueprint round," focusing on every detail to achieve maximum accuracy. This dedication bore fruit in a spectacular way: this very ammunition was instrumental in the USA Olympic Team's success at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, where they brought home Gold medals.

This historical achievement isn't just a marketing anecdote; it's a profound statement about the ammunition's fundamental design and manufacturing quality. It signifies:

• Proven Performance: If it's accurate enough for Olympic-level competition, it's accurate enough for virtually any other .22 LR application.
• Unwavering Consistency: Olympic athletes need ammunition they can trust shot after shot, match after match. This round delivered that consistency under immense pressure.
• Cutting-Edge Design: The "blueprint round" concept implies a design that optimizes every variable for precision, setting a standard for future ammunition development.

When you load Federal Gold Medal Match 711B into your rifle, you're not just loading a bullet; you're loading a piece of shooting history, a round designed with the ultimate goal of repeatable accuracy.

Ensuring Optimal Performance: Tips for Shooters

To truly maximize the performance of your Federal Gold Medal Match 711B ammunition, consider these factors:

• Firearm Compatibility: While LRN bullets generally feed well, ensure your specific .22 LR firearm (rifle or pistol) is clean and well-maintained to facilitate smooth cycling. Some finicky semi-automatics may prefer certain bullet profiles over others, but the LRN is generally very reliable.
• Barrel Cleanliness: A clean barrel is critical for consistent accuracy, especially with lead bullets which can leave fouling over time. Regular cleaning helps maintain the rifling's integrity and prevents accuracy degradation.
• Storage Conditions: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations. This preserves the powder's integrity and ensures consistent ballistic performance over time.
• Matching Ammunition to Rifle: Every rifle has a unique preference. While the 711B is exceptionally accurate, experimenting with different loads (though this is Federal's top-tier match option) or even different lots of the 711B can sometimes yield slightly better results for your specific firearm.

Procuring Your Federal Gold Medal Match Ammunition

When you're ready to experience the precision and reliability of the Federal Gold Medal Match 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose ammunition, look to reputable suppliers. This premium ammunition, identified by its SKU 711B and UPC 029465057107, is available for purchase at DEGuns. DEGuns offers a reliable source for high-quality ammunition, ensuring you receive genuine Federal products ready to perform to their championship standards. Investing in this ammunition is investing in consistent performance, tighter groups, and a more rewarding shooting experience.

Technical Specifications & Features Summary

Feature	Specification	Benefit
Caliber	22 Long Rifle	Widely compatible, low recoil, cost-effective
Bullet Weight	40 Grains	Balanced trajectory, optimal energy for rimfire
Bullet Style	Lead Round Nose (LRN)	Reliable feeding, consistent penetration, aerodynamic consistency
Muzzle Velocity	1080 fps	Subsonic, reduces sound with suppressors, stable flight path
Velocity Rating	Subsonic / Standard Velocity	Ideal for suppressed use, avoids transonic instability
Muzzle Energy	104 ft. lbs.	Sufficient for small game/pests, effective energy transfer
Production	New Production	Ensures fresh components, consistent quality
Corrosiveness	Non-corrosive	Preserves firearm longevity, easy clean-up
Olympic Legacy	1992 Barcelona Gold Medals	Proven world-class accuracy and reliability