Getting to Know Federal Automatch 22lr
The world of rimfire ammunition is vast and varied, with options ranging from ultra-premium match-grade rounds to budget-friendly plinking loads. Among the contenders for the title of “best bang for your buck” sits Federal Automatch 22lr, a popular choice for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. This review will delve into the details of this widely available ammunition, exploring its performance, reliability, and overall value. We aim to provide a comprehensive assessment to help shooters determine if Federal Automatch is the right choice for their needs.
Unpacking the Specifications: What Makes Automatch Tick
Before we evaluate its performance, let’s take a closer look at the essential specifications of Federal Automatch 22lr. Understanding these details will help us understand the ammunition’s capabilities.
The heart of the Automatch round features a solid, lead bullet. This simple design ensures consistent performance and aids in accurate shot placement.
The bullet weight typically clocks in at forty grains, a standard weight that balances trajectory, energy transfer, and overall performance in various .22lr firearms. This weight provides a balance suitable for various shooting activities, from casual plinking to more focused target practice.
Federal lists the muzzle velocity for Automatch at a certain rate. While the actual velocity can fluctuate slightly depending on the firearm and barrel length, this data provides a baseline for comparing the ammunition’s performance against other options.
The casing is commonly made from brass, a durable and reliable material that is ideally suited for repeated use in .22lr firearms. This is important because it aids in consistent cycling and extraction, factors critical for reliable performance.
Automatch is conveniently packaged, making it easy to transport, store, and load. Many choose the bulk boxes of several hundred rounds, highlighting the value and convenience for the shooter. The packaging typically clearly indicates the bullet weight, type, and velocity, providing essential information for consumers.
While Automatch doesn’t boast any exceptionally unique features like polymer tips or special coatings, it focuses on providing consistent performance at a reasonable price. Its straightforward design contributes to its reliability and widespread usability.
Putting Automatch to the Test: Performance on the Range
To truly understand the qualities of Federal Automatch 22lr, we put it through a series of tests under various shooting conditions. This included assessments of accuracy, reliability, and overall consistency.
The shooting setup is crucial for evaluating ammunition. We used a variety of .22lr firearms, including a popular semi-automatic rifle and a bolt-action rifle. This allowed us to evaluate the Automatch rounds in different firearm platforms, providing a comprehensive overview of their performance capabilities.
We conducted the tests at an outdoor range, during favorable weather conditions. The controlled environment allowed for accurate measurements and observation of the ammunition’s behavior.
We used standard paper targets with clear scoring rings, placed at several distances. The distance varied from the common 25-yard distance to more challenging distances to evaluate the rounds’ accuracy and trajectory.
Precision and Accuracy: Hitting the Mark
Accuracy is a core aspect of ammunition performance. To measure accuracy, we fired several five-shot groups at different distances. The group size was then measured to determine the consistency of the shots.
The test results revealed that Federal Automatch provided satisfactory accuracy for a budget-friendly .22lr round. At twenty-five yards, the groups were consistently within a reasonable size, showing good performance for target practice and recreational shooting. At longer distances, the group sizes naturally increased, but Automatch still displayed acceptable accuracy for its class.
The accuracy observed was more than adequate for plinking, small game hunting at shorter ranges, and general target shooting. This level of precision, combined with the accessible price, makes Automatch a strong contender for those looking for an affordable .22lr option.
Reliability Assessment: Consistent Cycling
Beyond accuracy, reliability is paramount. We tested Federal Automatch to assess the ammunition’s ability to cycle smoothly and consistently through various firearms.
Over several range sessions, we fired a considerable number of Automatch rounds through various firearms. We carefully recorded any malfunctions, such as failures to feed, failures to eject, or misfires.
The reliability of Federal Automatch was generally good. The ammunition cycled smoothly in most of the firearms tested, with only a few instances of malfunction. This indicates a high level of consistency in the manufacturing process and a design optimized for reliable operation.
The Consistency Factor: Velocity and Performance
Velocity consistency directly impacts the ammunition’s trajectory and accuracy. While a chronograph was not used during the range tests, the general consistency of performance from each round suggested good consistency in velocity.
Value for Money: Is Automatch a Good Investment?
The price of .22lr ammunition varies greatly. We carefully considered the current retail price of Federal Automatch 22lr. We researched prices from several retailers to assess the general cost per round.
When compared to other .22lr ammunition brands, Federal Automatch 22lr frequently proves to be a very competitive option in terms of value. It typically comes in at a slightly lower price point than premium match-grade ammunition, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shooters.
The high volume of rounds available per box contributes to the overall value proposition. This allows shooters to practice more frequently without breaking the bank. The balance of performance and cost makes Automatch an attractive choice for many shooters.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any product, Federal Automatch 22lr has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Affordable: The most significant advantage is the ammunition’s relatively low price. It offers excellent value for money, especially when purchased in bulk.
- Reliable: Generally, the ammunition cycles reliably through many .22lr firearms.
- Good Accuracy: The ammunition offers acceptable accuracy for general plinking, target practice, and small game hunting.
- Widely Available: Federal Automatch is readily available at most sporting goods stores, making it easy to purchase.
Disadvantages:
- Not Match Grade: Automatch is not designed for precision target shooting. It might not meet the requirements of serious competitive shooters.
- Potential for Occasional Malfunctions: Although reliable, some users may experience occasional malfunctions.
Comparing to Competitors
Many other manufacturers produce .22lr ammunition, each with its unique features and price points.
Federal Gold Medal .22lr ammunition is a high-end product from Federal, engineered to offer superior accuracy. While it’s a superb choice for those who value pinpoint accuracy and competition shooting, the premium price reflects its performance level.
CCI Standard Velocity .22lr is another popular choice. It is known for its reliability and consistency and often is a direct competitor with Automatch.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, Federal Automatch 22lr offers an excellent blend of affordability and performance. It’s a reliable and accurate choice for plinking, target practice, and general recreational shooting. Its competitive price point and widespread availability make it a strong contender for those seeking a value-oriented .22lr option.
Overall Impression:
Our overall impression is positive. Federal Automatch 22lr delivers on its promise of providing a consistent and affordable shooting experience. It may not be match-grade ammunition, but its reliability and acceptable accuracy make it a solid choice for a wide range of shooters.
Recommendation:
We recommend Federal Automatch 22lr for shooters seeking an affordable and reliable .22lr option for recreational shooting, plinking, and casual target practice. Its value proposition makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy more range time without overspending on ammunition.
The Federal Automatch .22lr, in our evaluation, is a fantastic value for the shooter seeking a reliable and accurate plinking and practice round.
