For plinking, pest control and just plain fun you really can't beat a .22-caliber handgun, and that's part of why so many Americans want to know if you can use a .22-caliber handgun for self-defense. The short answer to that question is "no" with a "but"; the long answer to that question is "yes" with an "and." If you think that sounds like a lot of double-talk, you're not wrong ... but the key to understanding what we mean is to fill in the second half of each sentence. Today, Federal Premium Ammunition is adding an exclamation mark to each. Here's what we mean.
If you ask 10 different self-defense experts whether guns that use rimfire ammunition are ideal for CCW, you will receive 10 resounding "no's." That said, some shooters have hand-strength limitations, injuries, arthritis and other conditions that make center-fire guns difficult to shoot. Some gun owners may only have a .22, or only feel comfortable shooting a .22. 
And one thing those 10 self-defense experts will also unanimously tell you is that the .22 you have on your belt is far superior to the .45 you left at home. So, if a .22 is what you have, then at least you should load it with the most effective defensive ammo you can find.
Federal Premium's Punch ammo has been a popular choice for center-fire guns since it was introduced, and now they're launching Punch 22 LR, a new load using a first-of-its-kind 29-grain nickel-plated lead-core bullet. The projectile is pushed at maximum velocities for the deepest penetration through short-barrel handguns.
The Punch 22 LR bullet is a departure from standard 22 LR design. It features a flat nose and utilizes a heavy nickel-plated jacket around a lead core. So not only does it travel faster than competing 22 projectiles, but its design also deliberately minimizes expansion and retains weight to maintain sufficient straight-line penetration. That is a lot to ask from a .22 bullet, which is why other manufacturers have shied away from the challenge. But Federal’s engineering team pulled it off, giving America’s favorite cartridge a chance to prove itself for protection.
Federal reports that Punch 22 LR produces 1,070 feet per second (fps) through 2" barrel handguns, and 1,650 fps out of 24" rifle barrels. The nickel-plated case offers ease of extraction and corrosion resistance. It's currently available in 50-round boxes for $9.99, and we are told that shipments are already arriving at dealers. FederalPremium.com
