The Ultimate Guide to Federal Premium 40 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point .22 LR Ammunition

For anyone seeking versatile, reliable, and effective rimfire ammunition, the Federal Premium 40 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point (.22 LR) stands out as a premier choice. This guide delves deep into what makes this particular ammunition an excellent option for a wide array of shooting activities, from precision target practice to effective varmint control.

What Makes .22 LR So Popular?

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge holds a unique and enduring position in the firearms world. It's universally recognized for its low recoil, affordability, and accessibility, making it an ideal caliber for new shooters, seasoned marksmen refining their skills, and anyone looking for cost-effective range time. Its versatility extends beyond the range, proving highly effective for small game hunting and pest eradication.

Federal Premium: A Legacy of Quality

Federal Premium Ammunition has long been synonymous with innovation and quality in the ammunition industry. Their commitment to precise manufacturing, rigorous testing, and consistent performance has earned them a reputation for producing cartridges that shooters can depend on. The 40-grain Copper Plated Hollow Point .22 LR is a testament to this legacy, designed to deliver reliable performance shot after shot.

Understanding the Federal Premium 40 Grain CPHP .22 LR

This specific Federal Premium offering (UPC 4000294132667) is engineered for optimal performance across multiple applications. Let's break down its core characteristics:

The Significance of a 40-Grain Bullet

• Stable Trajectory: A heavier bullet tends to be less susceptible to wind drift over short to medium distances, contributing to better accuracy.
• Energy Transfer: While still a rimfire round, a 40-grain bullet carries sufficient energy for humane dispatch of small game and varmints within its effective range.
• Compatibility: Most .22 LR firearms are optimized to cycle and shoot 40-grain ammunition reliably, making it a "go-to" weight for general use.

The Advantage of Copper Plated Hollow Point (CPHP) Design

The Copper Plated Hollow Point bullet design is central to this ammunition's versatility and effectiveness.

• Hollow Point Cavity: The small cavity at the tip of the bullet is designed to initiate expansion upon impact. For varmint control and small game hunting, this expansion creates a larger wound channel, leading to a more humane and decisive take. When used for target shooting, the hollow point design does not significantly detract from accuracy at typical rimfire ranges.
• Copper Plating: The copper plating serves several critical functions:
  • Reduced Lead Fouling: It minimizes the accumulation of lead in the barrel, leading to cleaner shooting and less frequent cleaning cycles, which preserves accuracy over time.
  • Improved Feeding: The slicker surface of the copper plating can contribute to smoother feeding in semi-automatic firearms, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions.
  • Enhanced Velocity Retention: While subtle, the plating can also help maintain bullet integrity and velocity downrange.

Ballistic Performance: What the Numbers Mean

The provided ballistic data for this Federal Premium .22 LR round paints a clear picture of its capabilities:

• Muzzle Velocity: 1033 fps
  • This velocity classifies the ammunition as "standard velocity" or "high-velocity" depending on the specific manufacturer's categorizations, but it's important to note it's not a "subsonic" round (which typically runs under 1000 fps).
  • A velocity of 1033 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle provides a flat enough trajectory for precise shot placement within typical .22 LR engagement distances, especially for varmints and targets out to 50 yards and beyond.
  • For shooters aiming for consistency in trajectory without the need for supersonic crack (which can disrupt quiet environments), this velocity offers a reliable middle ground.
• Velocity at 50 yards: 935 fps
  • The retention of 935 fps at 50 yards demonstrates good aerodynamic stability and energy retention for a rimfire cartridge. This velocity is crucial for effective energy transfer downrange, ensuring performance where it counts for humane takes.
• Muzzle Energy: 95 ft/lbs
  • Muzzle energy is a measure of the kinetic energy the bullet possesses as it leaves the barrel. 95 foot-pounds (ft/lbs) indicates sufficient force for the intended applications. While this might seem low compared to centerfire cartridges, for a .22 LR, it's appropriate for dispatching small pests and taking small game.
• Energy at 50 yards: 78 ft/lbs
  • The 78 ft/lbs of energy retained at 50 yards is vital for ensuring the bullet still has enough power to perform its intended function – whether it's expanding reliably in a varmint or consistently impacting a target with measurable force. This sustained energy indicates the round's viability beyond close-range engagements.

Real-World Applications: Where This Ammunition Excels

The Federal Premium 40 Grain CPHP .22 LR is a highly versatile cartridge, making it a favored choice for several distinct purposes.

1. Varmint Hunting and Pest Control

What is the best .22 LR ammunition for varmint hunting? The Federal Premium 40 Grain CPHP is consistently cited as a top contender. Its design is specifically suited for controlling nuisance animals.

• Effective for Small Pests: This ammunition is highly effective for common varmints such as squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, prairie dogs, and raccoons within appropriate ranges.
• Humane Dispatch: The hollow point design is engineered to expand upon impact, delivering quick and decisive energy transfer, which is critical for humane and ethical takes. This minimizes suffering and maximizes efficiency for pest control scenarios.
• Reduced Over-Penetration: Compared to solid point bullets, the expanding hollow point can reduce the risk of over-penetration, which is a consideration in areas where background safety is paramount.
• Precision for Small Targets: Varmints often present small target zones. The inherent accuracy of Federal Premium ammunition helps ensure precise shot placement, which is key to effective pest management.

2. Target Practice and Recreational Shooting (Plinking)

Is 40-grain .22 LR good for target practice? Absolutely. This Federal Premium offering is an excellent choice for general range use and recreational shooting.

• Cost-Effectiveness: .22 LR ammunition is significantly more affordable than centerfire cartridges, allowing for extended training sessions without breaking the bank. This makes it perfect for high-volume practice.
• Consistency for Training: The reliable manufacturing of Federal Premium ensures consistent ballistic performance, which is vital for shooters looking to improve their fundamentals, practice sight picture, and develop trigger control. You can trust that one shot will perform similarly to the next.
• Low Recoil: The minimal recoil of the .22 LR makes it comfortable to shoot for prolonged periods, preventing fatigue and allowing new shooters to build confidence without anticipating a strong kick.
• Versatility: Whether you're shooting paper targets, steel gongs, or reactive spinners, this ammunition performs reliably in a variety of .22 LR firearms, from semi-automatic rifles and pistols to bolt-action rifles and revolvers.

3. Small Game Hunting

What velocity is ideal for .22 LR small game hunting? The 1033 fps muzzle velocity of this Federal Premium round offers an excellent balance for small game like squirrels and rabbits.

• Energy for Clean Kills: The 40-grain CPHP bullet carries sufficient energy and the necessary expansion characteristics for humane harvesting of small game animals.
• Accuracy for Vital Zones: Hitting the small vital zones of squirrels or rabbits requires precise accuracy, which this ammunition is designed to deliver.
• Versatility in the Field: From bushytail expeditions to bagging bunnies, this ammunition adapts well to various field conditions and shooting distances encountered in small game pursuits.

Factors to Consider When Choosing .22 LR Ammunition

While the Federal Premium 40 Grain CPHP is highly versatile, understanding the nuances of .22 LR ammunition can help you make the best choice for your specific needs.

• Bullet Type:
  • Hollow Point (HP/CPHP): Best for expansion, ideal for hunting and pest control.
  • Round Nose (RN): Excellent for practice, often more affordable, reliable feeding.
  • Subsonic: Lower velocity (under 1100 fps) to stay below the speed of sound, often paired with suppressors to reduce noise.
  • High Velocity: Faster than standard, sometimes for increased energy or flatter trajectory.
• Grain Weight:
  • 36-grain to 40-grain: Most common, excellent balance for general use.
  • Smaller/Lighter (e.g., 32-grain): Can be faster, but may be less stable.
  • Heavier (e.g., 60-grain SSS): Specialized for specific firearms or purposes.
• Intended Use: Always match your ammunition to your primary purpose. A round optimized for varminting might not be the most economical choice for casual plinking if you're firing thousands of rounds.
• Firearm Compatibility: Some .22 LR firearms can be finicky with certain ammunition types. Semi-automatics, in particular, may prefer specific bullet weights or velocities for reliable cycling. It's always a good idea to test a few different types to see what your firearm "likes" best.

Ensuring Longevity and Performance: Ammunition Storage

Proper storage is critical to maintaining the performance and reliability of your Federal Premium .22 LR ammunition (UPC 4000294132667).

• Cool, Dry Place: Store ammunition in an environment that is consistently cool and dry. Extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity can degrade propellant and primers over time, leading to misfires or inconsistent performance.
• Original Packaging: Keeping the ammunition in its original box provides protection from environmental elements and keeps rounds organized.
• Away from Chemicals: Avoid storing ammunition near solvents, oils, or other chemicals that could potentially contaminate the primers or powder.

Where to Acquire Your Federal Premium .22 LR Ammunition

When you are ready to experience the reliability and performance of Federal Premium 40 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point .22 LR ammunition, a trusted retailer is essential. This high-quality ammunition is readily available for purchase at DEGuns (deguns.com), a reputable source known for its extensive selection and commitment to customer satisfaction. Opting for a trusted supplier like DEGuns ensures you receive genuine Federal Premium products, allowing you to maximize your shooting potential whether for varmint control, target practice, or small game hunting.

Technical Specifications: Federal Premium 40gr Copper Plated Hollow Point .22 LR

Attribute	Value	Description
Caliber	.22 LR	The popular rimfire cartridge type.
Grain Weight	40	The mass of the bullet, in grains.
Bullet Type	Hollow Point	Designed for expansion upon impact.
Muzzle Velocity	1033 fps	Speed of the bullet as it leaves the barrel.
Velocity at 50 yds	935 fps	Retained bullet speed at 50 yards downrange.
Muzzle Energy	95 ft/lbs	Kinetic energy at the barrel exit.
Energy at 50 yds	78 ft/lbs	Retained kinetic energy at 50 yards.
Primary Uses	Target Practice, Varmint, Small Game Hunting	Recommended applications for this ammunition.
SKU	2132664	Internal product identification number.
UPC	4000294132667	Universal Product Code for identification.