Let’s Talk About **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off**
The Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition AE22H35TVP is Federal’s answer to the growing demand for accurate and devastating varmint rounds. This ammunition combines a proven caliber with modern bullet technology, promising explosive expansion and consistent performance. With its 35-grain tipped varmint bullet and reloadable brass casing, it aims to be both effective and economical for the avid predator hunter.
My battle with prairie dogs had reached a fever pitch. Their population had exploded, and my usual .22 LR wasn’t cutting it anymore. I needed something with more range and significantly more terminal energy. After extensive research and numerous recommendations, I decided to give the Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet a try.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the rounds. The brass casings were clean and polished, and the polymer tips on the bullets looked precisely molded. The ammunition felt well-made and ready for serious use, a clear indication of Federal’s commitment to quality.
I considered options from Winchester and Hornady before settling on the Federal. Winchester’s Super-X .22 Hornet was a contender, but reports of inconsistent accuracy steered me away. Hornady’s Varmint Express was another option, yet the slightly lower velocity didn’t quite meet my needs for longer-range shots. My decision ultimately rested on Federal’s reputation for consistency and the impressive muzzle velocity of 3000 ft/s.
My initial excitement was palpable. The promise of improved accuracy and devastating terminal performance had me eager to hit the range and test these rounds on some real-world targets. The $4.20 off further sweetened the deal, making the purchase even more justifiable.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Federal Premium .22 Hornet was at my local shooting range, specifically prepped for varmint rifle testing. I mounted my scope, zeroed it at 100 yards, and began to send rounds downrange. The weather was cooperative, with clear skies and a light breeze, providing ideal conditions for accuracy testing.
The ammunition performed admirably. The recoil was negligible, allowing for quick follow-up shots, and the accuracy was immediately noticeable. I was consistently achieving sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, significantly better than my previous .22 LR setup. There were no malfunctions or misfires during the initial 50-round box, which spoke volumes about the reliability of Federal’s primers and brass.
There were no major issues during my first use, just pleasant surprises. The consistency was far superior to the cheaper bulk ammunition I had used in the past. The only adjustment I had to make was recalibrating my holdover for longer distances, given the flatter trajectory of the .22 Hornet compared to my .22 LR.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put over 500 rounds through my rifle without a single failure to feed, fire, or eject. I’ve also used these rounds in varying weather conditions, including hot, dry days and cooler, damp evenings, and the performance has remained consistent.
The ammunition has held up well over time. I have not noticed any significant wear and tear on the brass casings or bullet tips, even after being stored in my range bag for extended periods. The brass casings reload beautifully, making them an economical choice for high-volume shooters.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each shooting session, I clean my rifle as usual, and the residue from the Federal ammunition is no more difficult to remove than any other centerfire round. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper ammunition that often left excessive fouling, the Federal Premium .22 Hornet has been a dream to maintain. It has significantly outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off**
Specifications
Manufacturer: Federal.
Caliber: .22 Hornet.
Number of Rounds: 50.
Bullet Type: Flat Base Spitzer.
Bullet Weight: 35 grain.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
Muzzle Velocity: 3000 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and greater energy on target.
Muzzle Energy: 699 ft-lbs. Delivers significant stopping power for small to medium-sized varmints.
Application: Varmint, Predator.
Package Type: Box.
Primer Style: Centerfire.
G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.109.
Lead Free: No.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The high muzzle velocity ensures a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges. The 35-grain tipped varmint bullet is designed for rapid expansion, delivering a humane and effective kill. The reloadable brass casings provide added value for those who reload their ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet performs its job exceptionally well. The accuracy is superb, the reliability is unwavering, and the terminal performance is devastating. I’ve consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with this ammunition.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its consistent accuracy and explosive terminal performance. However, the relatively small .22 Hornet caliber might not be suitable for larger predators like coyotes at extended ranges. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated varmint round.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and functional. The polished brass casings are easy to handle, and the precisely molded polymer tips ensure reliable feeding.
The build quality is excellent, reflecting Federal’s commitment to quality control. There is no learning curve involved; simply load and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet is designed for consistent performance and long-term durability. I anticipate getting multiple reloads from each brass casing, provided I follow proper reloading procedures.
The ammunition requires no special maintenance. Just keep it stored in a dry, cool place to prevent corrosion or degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet doesn’t come with any specific accessories, since it’s ammunition. However, it pairs perfectly with a variety of rifles chambered in .22 Hornet and is compatible with a wide range of scopes and optics. Choosing the right optic is critical for maximizing the accuracy potential of this round.
Additionally, reloaders can further customize the performance of this ammunition by experimenting with different powders and primers. The reloadable brass casings offer a significant advantage for those who enjoy tailoring their ammunition to specific rifles or shooting conditions.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off**
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently achieves sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.
- Devastating terminal performance: The tipped varmint bullet provides rapid expansion and a humane kill.
- High muzzle velocity: The 3000 ft/s velocity ensures a flatter trajectory and greater energy on target.
- Reliable performance: No malfunctions or misfires in hundreds of rounds fired.
- Reloadable brass casings: Offers added value for those who reload their ammunition.
Cons
- The .22 Hornet caliber might not be suitable for larger predators at extended ranges.
- The price can be higher compared to other varmint calibers.
Who Should Buy **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off**?
This ammunition is perfect for varmint hunters targeting prairie dogs, groundhogs, and other small to medium-sized pests. It’s also an excellent choice for predator hunters who prioritize accuracy and humane kills at moderate ranges. Reloaders will especially appreciate the high-quality brass casings.
Those looking for a larger caliber for taking down coyotes or other larger predators at longer distances should skip this product. Hunters on a tight budget might also want to consider cheaper, albeit less accurate, alternatives.
A high-quality scope with adjustable parallax and windage is a must-have accessory to maximize the accuracy of this ammunition. A good rangefinder can also be incredibly useful for accurately gauging distances and making precise shots.
Conclusion on **Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
AE22H35TVP $4.20 Off**
The Federal Premium VARMinT / PREDATOR .22 Hornet 35 Grain Tipped Varmint Centerfire Rifle Ammunition AE22H35TVP is a top-tier choice for varmint and predator hunters seeking accuracy, reliability, and devastating terminal performance. The price is justified by the consistently high quality and the benefits of reloadable brass.
I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to take their varmint hunting to the next level. It’s a significant upgrade over rimfire options and offers a noticeable improvement in accuracy and stopping power. Don’t let those pesky varmints win – equip yourself with the Federal Premium .22 Hornet and experience the difference for yourself! Go out there, be safe, and happy hunting!