Description
Product Overview
Engineered for the responsible citizen prioritizing dependable personal defense, the Federal Personal Defense Punch 38 Special +P Ammo represents a focused application of modern ballistic science. This 38 Special +P (over-pressure) load is specifically designed for use in modern, rated snub-nose and compact revolvers, where maximizing terminal performance from short barrels is critical. The 120-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) projectile is the centerpiece of this load, developed to deliver consistent expansion and controlled penetration through heavy clothing. This Ammunition is intended for lawful concealed carry and home defense scenarios by individuals who have trained with and understand the characteristics of +P ammunition in their specific firearm.
Key Features
- Optimized 120-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point: The bullet is engineered to initiate reliable expansion at the velocities typical of short-barreled 38 Special revolvers, even through barriers like heavy denim or leather, ensuring effective terminal performance where standard loads may fall short.
- +P Pressure Specification: The +P designation indicates a higher-pressure load that generates increased velocity and energy compared to standard-pressure 38 Special rounds. This is essential for driving the JHP to its designed performance window from compact firearms.
- Proprietary Hollow Point Design: Federal’s Punch series utilizes a precisely engineered cavity and jacket design to promote consistent, petaled expansion while maintaining bullet integrity to achieve the FBI-recommended 12-18 inches of penetration in ballistic gelatin.
- Quality Brass Case with Primer Sealant: Each case is manufactured to strict tolerances for reliable feeding and extraction. A visible sealant around the primer pocket protects against moisture and contaminants, enhancing long-term storage reliability.
- Consistent Propellant Formulation: Developed to provide a predictable pressure curve, this propellant ensures consistent velocities shot-to-shot, which is fundamental for accuracy and reliable performance in defensive situations.
- Balanced Recoil Management: While +P recoil is more pronounced than standard ammunition, the 120-grain projectile weight and powder charge are balanced to produce a manageable impulse, aiding in faster follow-up shots during practice and high-stress scenarios.
Performance & Applications
The Federal Personal Defense Punch 38 Special +P is engineered for specific defensive contexts where its attributes provide a distinct advantage. Its primary application is in modern, compact concealed-carry revolvers. The +P velocity is crucial for these typically 2-inch barrel lengths, as it ensures the 120-grain JHP has sufficient energy to perform as designed, overcoming the velocity loss inherent to very short barrels.
A key use case is for the individual who carries a small-frame revolver daily. The ammunition’s design for reliable expansion through heavy clothing addresses a common real-world concern, making it a suitable choice for all-season carry. Furthermore, its reliable ignition and sealed primer make it an excellent choice for a home defense revolver that may sit in a bedside safe for extended periods, where environmental factors can be a concern.
It is also an appropriate choice for recreational shooters who use a 38 Special revolver for trail or backcountry carry, where its proven barrier performance and reliability offer peace of mind. It is critical to verify that your specific firearm is rated for continuous use with +P ammunition, as older revolvers may not be designed for the increased pressure.
About Federal
Federal Premium Ammunition is not merely a manufacturer; it is a foundational pillar in the ammunition industry with a legacy dating back to 1922. Based in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal operates one of the world’s most advanced ballistic research facilities, where every product, including the Personal Defense Punch line, undergoes rigorous empirical testing. Their engineers work in tandem with law enforcement agencies, ballisticians, and defensive shooting experts to develop loads that meet stringent real-world criteria.
This deep-seated expertise is the bedrock of the Punch series. Federal draws upon decades of data from their legendary HST (law enforcement) and Hydra-Shok lines to create a bullet that offers a high level of defensive performance in a format accessible to the responsible civilian. When you choose Federal, you are selecting a product backed by a culture of continuous innovation, massive investment in R&D, and an unwavering commitment to quality control that sets the industry standard.
Make Your Decision
Selecting defensive ammunition is a decision grounded in reliability, proven performance, and firearm compatibility. The Federal Personal Defense Punch 38 Special +P 120 Grain JHP provides a purpose-driven solution for the revolver carrier, combining Federal’s authoritative research with a specifically engineered projectile. It addresses the ballistic challenges of compact revolvers with a no-compromise approach to component quality and consistency. For the individual seeking a modern, tested 38 Special +P load from a most trusted source, this offering stands as a rational and serious option. Always ensure you practice extensively with your chosen defensive load to understand its function and handling characteristics in your specific firearm.
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Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ammunition reliable?
Federal ammunition undergoes rigorous quality control, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot.
What type of bullet is this?
This load features a hollow point design, engineered for consistent performance.
What is this ammunition best used for?
This the specified caliber ammunition is optimized for its intended applications, delivering reliable performance.
How many rounds per box?
Each box contains 20 rounds, packaged for convenient use.

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