First Look: Federal Punch Ammunition

by
posted on June 1, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fppunch_lead.gif

New from Federal Ammunition is Punch, a defensive handgun round that is tailored to each specific caliber. Rather than develop a single bullet design for all five loads, Federal evaluated the performance of each individual caliber and then determined the optimal bullet design and weight for each load. The team at Federal then tuned each Punch load to provide the reliable expansion and penetration that a self-defense shooter needs.

“Simply put, we know more about making duty and defensive bullets than anyone,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “We used that knowledge and experience to create a product to specifically meet the needs of self-defense with a handgun. The result of that hard work is Punch.”

“We looked at specifications from our Hydra-Shok Deep, HST and other bullet designs and took what made sense for Punch,” said Laack. “We selected whatever elements worked best for each individual caliber. We then played with the thickness of the jacket, skive depth, hollow-point geometry and even differences in lead cores to build the recipe for Punch.”

The result of his work is a Federal Premium bullet that was designed specifically for the most common self-defense applications, such as an extra-heavy clothing test using ballistic gel.

“The fact that we're launching Punch in the top five, most popular, self-defense chamberings on the market—all at once—makes a statement,” said Laack. “Typically, a new self-defense ammunition is launched in only one or two calibers then others are added later. But not Punch, we believe in it and know shooters looking for effective defensive ammunition with its specific features will love it.”

In addition to the custom tailored bullet, Federal used nickel-plated cases, high-quality powders, reliable primers and a primer seal in the Punch line of ammunition, along with a proven bullet profile and geometry for reliable feeding in your handgun.

Federal Punch Ammunition Features & Benefits

  • Jacketed hollow-point bullet design provides a balanced mix of effective penetration and expansion
  • Out-performs comparably priced competitor rounds
  • Nickel-plated brass case with primer seal
  • Available in the most popular defensive handgun cartridges

 

For more information on the new Punch ammunition from Federal, please visit federalpremium.com.

Latest

10mm lever action
10mm lever action

First Look: 10mm Marlin Trapper Model 1894

10mm power meets lever-action simplicity.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts $89 to $129.99

Whether you’re looking for practical gear or just fun, firearm-related stocking stuffers, we’ve got you covered.

Master the Basics

These three critical skills are imperative for proper handgun shooting.

Armasight Expands Operations and Manufacturing Capabilities

The company has added more than 10,000 square feet to its footprint.

Skills Check: Harden The Diamond

Stretch the limits of your carry gear with this drill for the outdoor range.

First Look: Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Raider

Built to honor the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.