Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator 22-250 Rem 50 gr Jacketed Hollow Point Ammunition: Precision and Performance for Discerning Hunters
For serious varmint and predator hunters, the pursuit of elusive game demands ammunition that offers a potent combination of speed, accuracy, and devastating terminal performance. The Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator 22-250 Rem 50 gr Jacket Hollow Point (JHP) ammunition is engineered precisely for this challenge, providing high-volume shooters with a reliable and affordable option to achieve consistent success in the field. This specialized ammunition is a cornerstone for anyone looking to optimize their varmint hunting setup, whether you're targeting wily coyotes, elusive foxes, or distant prairie dogs.
Understanding the .22-250 Remington Caliber: A Varmint Hunter's Favorite
The .22-250 Remington stands as a legendary cartridge in the world of varmint and predator hunting. Renowned for its blistering velocity and flat trajectory, it's a top choice for engaging small to medium-sized game at extended ranges. But what makes this caliber so well-suited for these applications?
- Exceptional Muzzle Velocity: The .22-250 Rem is one of the fastest commercial cartridges available, frequently pushing 50-grain bullets well over 3,800 feet per second. This high speed significantly reduces bullet drop over distance, simplifying holdovers and making precise shots at varying ranges much easier.
- Flat Trajectory: Directly linked to its high velocity, the .22-250's flat shooting nature means less guesswork for the shooter. When a coyote or a prairie dog appears at an unexpected range, having a round that flies true with minimal arc is a tremendous advantage.
- Moderate Recoil: Despite its impressive speed, the .22-250 Rem produces relatively manageable recoil. This is crucial for high-volume shooting sessions, like during a prairie dog hunt, where fatigue from heavy recoil can quickly impact accuracy and enjoyment. It also allows for quicker follow-up shots if needed.
- Accuracy Potential: Many rifles chambered in .22-250 Rem are inherently accurate, and when paired with quality ammunition like the Federal American Eagle, they can deliver sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups, essential for the precision required in varmint hunting.
The .22-250 Remington is particularly popular for open-country hunting scenarios where shots can range from 100 yards out to 400 yards or more. Its ability to maintain energy and velocity over these distances ensures effective terminal performance, which is paramount for humane and ethical harvesting of game.
The Power of the Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) Bullet
At the heart of the Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator round is its 50-grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet. This specific bullet design is optimized for rapid and dramatic energy transfer upon impact, a critical feature for varmint and predator control.
What is a Jacketed Hollow Point?
A JHP bullet features a lead core surrounded by a copper jacket, but unlike a full metal jacket (FMJ), it has an open cavity at the nose. This cavity is designed to facilitate rapid expansion when the bullet strikes a target.
Why is JHP Ideal for Varmints?
For varmint and predator hunting, the goal is often to achieve quick, clean kills with minimal over-penetration, which can be a concern in open fields or near populated areas. The JHP bullet excels here:
- Rapid Energy Transfer: Upon striking, the hollow point allows the bullet to deform and expand violently. This expansion creates a larger wound channel and transfers all of the bullet's kinetic energy into the target almost instantaneously.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: The sudden expansion ensures that the target is put down quickly and humanely. This is especially important for tough varmints like coyotes or bobcats, where a quick incapacitation prevents them from escaping.
- Reduced Ricochet Risk: Compared to some other bullet types, the JHP's tendency to fragment or expand significantly upon impact can reduce the risk of ricochets, an important safety consideration when hunting in varied terrain.
- Optimized for Light Barriers: While not designed for heavy cover, the jacket provides enough integrity to penetrate light brush or bone encountered during the shot, without compromising the bullet's ability to expand upon reaching the vital organs.
The 50-grain weight of this particular JHP bullet is a sweet spot for the .22-250 Rem. It's light enough to maximize velocity and maintain that flat trajectory, yet heavy enough to carry sufficient energy for effective terminal performance on medium-sized varmints.
Federal American Eagle: Reliability and Value
Federal Premium Ammunition is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the shooting sports world. The American Eagle line, including this Varmint & Predator offering, is designed to provide consistent performance for high-volume shooters at an accessible price point. When you choose Federal American Eagle, you're investing in:
- Consistent Manufacturing: Federal's stringent quality control processes ensure that each round performs reliably, shot after shot. This consistency translates directly to better accuracy in the field and greater confidence in your equipment.
- Reliable Primers and Propellants: The ammunition uses high-quality primers for dependable ignition and carefully formulated propellants to achieve stated velocities and pressures, contributing to predictable ballistic performance.
- Durable Brass Casings: The use of brass casings means excellent reliability in feeding and extraction, and for those who reload, these casings are often suitable for multiple reloads, adding further value.
- Excellent Value: The "American Eagle" designation often indicates a balance of performance and affordability, making it an ideal choice for hunters who spend a lot of time in the field and need a reliable supply of effective ammunition without breaking the bank.
This blend of quality components and meticulous manufacturing makes Federal American Eagle a trusted choice for hunters who demand performance but also appreciate value.
Who is This Ammunition For? Real-World Applications and Scenarios
This Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator 22-250 Rem ammunition is tailored for a specific type of shooter and specific hunting situations.
Primary Users:
- Dedicated Varmint Hunters: Those who regularly pursue species like prairie dogs, groundhogs, woodchucks, and other small, destructive mammals where long-range precision and rapid incapacitation are key.
- Predator Hunters: Individuals focused on controlling coyote, fox, bobcat, or other fur-bearing predator populations, often for livestock protection or game management.
- High-Volume Shooters: Hunters who go through a significant amount of ammunition in a season and need an affordable yet effective option.
- Shooters Seeking Consistency: Anyone looking for reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent ballistic performance for their .22-250 Remington rifle.
Common Questions This Ammunition Answers:
- "What's the best ammunition for coyote hunting with a .22-250 Rem?" This 50-grain JHP load is an excellent choice due to its high velocity, flat trajectory, and immediate energy transfer, ensuring humane dispatch of coyotes at various ranges.
- "I'm going on a prairie dog hunt; what ammo should I bring for high-volume shooting?" With 50 rounds per box and the American Eagle line's focus on value and consistency, this is perfectly suited for extended shooting sessions where you need reliable performance shot after shot.
- "How do I achieve flat trajectories for long-range varmint shots?" The 3850 fps muzzle velocity of this 50-grain JHP round ensures a remarkably flat trajectory, simplifying range estimation and holdover calculations for distant targets.
- "What bullet type provides the best terminal performance on varmints?" The Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) is specifically designed for rapid expansion and energy dump, which is exactly what's needed to humanely anchor varmints on impact.
- "I need reliable and affordable .22-250 ammo for practice and hunting. Any recommendations?" Federal American Eagle is renowned for striking that balance, offering consistent performance that translates from the practice range to the hunting field without breaking the bank.
Key Performance Metrics: Velocity, Energy, and Trajectory
Understanding the ballistic data associated with this ammunition highlights its effectiveness:
- Muzzle Velocity: 3850 fps (feet per second)
This extremely high speed is the primary driver of the .22-250 Rem's flat trajectory. A bullet traveling this fast spends less time in the air, meaning less time for gravity to pull it down. For hunters, this translates to less bullet drop and a more forgiving aiming point, especially at longer distances. - Muzzle Energy: 1645 ft lbs (foot-pounds)
Muzzle energy represents the kinetic energy the bullet possesses as it leaves the barrel. 1645 ft lbs is substantial for a .22-caliber bullet and indicates its capability to deliver a significant impact. When coupled with the rapid expansion of the JHP design, this energy is efficiently transferred into the target, ensuring a quick and humane kill on appropriate game animals. - Bullet Weight: 50 gr (grains)
The 50-grain bullet weight is a common and highly effective choice for the .22-250 Rem. It strikes an excellent balance between achieving high velocity and retaining enough mass to carry sufficient energy downrange. Lighter bullets might go faster but can shed energy too quickly, while heavier bullets might lose some of that coveted velocity and experience more drop. The 50-grain JHP is optimized for this caliber's intended purpose.
These specifications collectively paint a picture of an ammunition round designed for superior long-range performance and effective terminal ballistics on varmints and predators.
Ethical Hunting and Ammunition Choice
Choosing the right ammunition is a crucial aspect of ethical hunting. The goal is always a quick, clean, and humane kill. The Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator 22-250 Rem with its 50-grain JHP bullet aligns perfectly with these principles for its intended quarry. The rapid expansion and energy transfer of the JHP ensure that animals are dispatched efficiently, minimizing suffering. Hunters who prioritize responsible practices will find this ammunition an excellent partner in their endeavors.
Availability and Conclusion
The Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator 22-250 Rem 50 gr Jacket Hollow Point ammunition is widely available for purchase at reputable retailers. For those looking to stock up on this reliable and effective ammunition, it is consistently available from trusted sources like DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of ammunition, firearms, and accessories, ensuring you can find exactly what you need for your next hunting excursion.
In summary, for the hunter demanding precision, velocity, and undeniable terminal performance for varmint and predator control, the Federal American Eagle 22-250 Rem 50 gr JHP is an outstanding choice. It embodies the core attributes needed for successful high-volume shooting and long-range accuracy, all while maintaining an accessible price point. Arm your .22-250 Remington rifle with this proven ammunition and experience the difference Federal quality makes in the field.
Product Specifications & Features Overview
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Brand | Federal |
Series | Varmint & Predator |
Model | American Eagle |
Caliber | 22-250 Rem |
Rounds Per Box | 50 |
Casing Material | Brass |
Muzzle Energy | 1645 ft lbs |
Muzzle Velocity | 3850 fps |
Game Type | Small Game |
Application | Hunting |
Boxes Per Case | 5 |
Bullet Type | Jacket Hollow Point |
Bullet Weight | 50 gr |
SKU | AE2225050VP |
UPC | 604544617399 |
MPN | AE2225050VP |