Federal Premium's Newest Handgun Loads

SHOT Show 2021 was cancelled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, taking away the venue that many firearms and related companies use to announce their new product launches. But that hasn’t stopped many such companies from getting the word out about their new wares, including Federal Premium.

Recently, the top-quality ammunition maker announced several new handgun loads for range and self-defense to its already extensive lineup, with most of these loads hopefully hitting nearly empty store shelves later this year. Here’s a look at a few of the new Federal loads for 2021.

.38-Caliber Hydra-Shok Deep

Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested Hydra-Shok platform with design improvements that better meet modern performance measurements. The bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that penetrate to optimal depths through the barriers most commonly encountered in self-defense situations.

New this year with the Hydra-Shok deep bullets are loads for .380 Auto and .38 Special, two very popular self-defense loads for concealed carry practitioners. Federal says these loads consistently penetrate beyond the FBI-recommended 12-inch minimum through bare gel and heavy clothing.

New Syntech Range Loads

Syntech Range loads use the TSJ polymer jacket to eliminate metal fouling and drastically reduce damaging barrel heat and friction. This year, Federal is offering Syntech Range loadings in .380 Auto, .38 Special and 10mm Auto.

According to the company, these new loads, expected to debut later in the year, offer a “smoother, cleaner and safer experience when training and having fun at the range.”

Extra Punch

Federal Premium’s Punch defensive line of ammo is also seeing a few new offerings this year, including one for rimfire lovers. The company says the Punch .22 LR load will make the popular rimfire cartridge “a viable self-defense option.” For those who carry a .22 as a backup or under deep cover, this should be a welcome introduction.

Another new Punch offering will be for the 10mm auto cartridge. It will be topped with a 200-grain jacketed hollow-point bullet ideal for self-defense and home-defense scenarios.

Federal is also introducing a new handgun hunting load, along with new offerings in centerfire rifle and shotgun ammo. Additionally, the company intends to continue to concentrate on several new loads launched last year.

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“In addition to launching new 2021 products, we are also continuing to stay focused on marketing the new products launched a year ago, such as our Solid Core and American Eagle IRT Lead Free ammo,” said Chris Laack, Federal’s handgun product line manager. “Solid Core is intended for hunting and protection against dangerous animals. The deep-penetrating, hard Solid Core bullet holds together while blowing through bone, and its Syntech jacket reduces friction and leading. American Eagle IRT utilizes lead-free bullets and the Catalyst lead-free primer to offer the same shelf life and ballistics of conventional range ammo. It’s an ideal solution for those shooting at an indoor range that requires lead-free ammunition.”

Hopefully, the new Federal loads, along with new introductions from other ammunition manufacturers, will help fill nearly empty ammo shelves at stores across the nation in the near future.

Freelance writer and editor Mark Chesnut is the owner/editorial director at Red Setter Communications LLC. An avid hunter, shooter and political observer, he has been covering Second Amendment issues and politics on a near-daily basis for the past 20 years.