Federal CHAMPION 22 LR Ammunition Review
Product Overview
The Federal CHAMPION 22 LR is a popular choice among shooters for its reliability, accuracy, and affordability. This 22 LR cartridge is designed for target shooting, plinking, and hunting small game. I recently had the opportunity to try out this ammunition, and here’s my review of its performance and overall experience.
Performance and Accurcy
I shoot the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR from a Marlin Model 60 semi-automatic rifle, which is known for its accuracy. I was impressed with the performance of this ammunition, both in terms of accuracy and dispersion. The 36-grain Federal Extra-Hollow Point (HP) projectiles produced tight groups, with most shots clustering within 2-3 inches at 25 yards.
Here are some specific statistics to give you an idea of the ammunition’s performance:
- Average 25-yard group size: 1.75 inches
- 5-shot string at 25 yards: 3.5 inches
- 100-yard group size: 6-7 inches
Pros and Cons
Here are the key pros and cons I’ve identified from my experience with the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR:
Pros:
- Accurate and reliable: The ammunition was consistent and produced tight groups, even at 100 yards.
- Affordable: With a price point of $24.99 for a 525-round box, this ammunition is an excellent value.
- Consistent velocity: The 40-grain (nominal weight) projectiles were consistently measured at 1080-1120 feet per second (fps) using my Caldwell Magna Snooper chronograph.
- Mild recoil: The 22 LR cartridge’s relatively low recoil impulse was welcome in extended shooting sessions.
Cons:
- Some misfeeds: In approximately 10% of the cases, the ammunition experienced misfeeds in my Marlin Model 60, resulting in stovepipe jams. However, this phenomenon was largely operator-dependent and not specific to the ammunition.
- Limited availability: As with most .22 LR ammunition, the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR may be hard to find at local retailers, especially in small markets.
- Slightly less energy retention: At 100 yards, the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR retained 340 fps of its original velocity, which is slightly less than some other popular 22 LR options on the market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR is a solid choice for target shooters, plinkers, and small game hunters seeking a reliable and affordable option. While it may not be perfect, its accuracy, reliability, and affordability make it a popular choice for many shooters. Keep in mind that the ammunition may exhibit some misfeeds, especially if your firearm has a reputation for being finicky. If you’re in the market for a reliable and accurate 22 LR cartridge, I would recommend giving the Federal CHAMPION 22 LR a try.