Ammo Reports Team
Federal Premium 22 WMR 30 Gr Speer TNT HP (Box)
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Varmint and small game hunting |
| Bullet Type | Speer TNT Jacketed Hollow Point — thin skived jacket, open tip cavity |
| Bullet Weight | 30 grain |
| Case Material | Brass (rimfire, not reloadable) |
| Primer Type | Rimfire |
| Packaging | 50 rounds per box · 60 boxes per case |
| Typical Price | ~$16–$22/box · ~$0.32–$0.44/round |
| Closest Competitors | CCI Maxi-Mag 30gr V-MAX · Hornady Varmint Express 22 WMR 30gr V-MAX · Winchester Varmint HV 22 WMR 30gr JHP |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2200 | Federal Premium (federalpremium.com product page) |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 322 | Federal Premium (verified: 30 × 2200² ÷ 450,400 = 322 ✓) |
| Bullet Weight | 30 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Speer TNT Jacketed Hollow Point | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| BC G7 | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| Manufacturer SKU / MPN | P765 | Federal Premium |
| UPC | 029465056988 | Multiple confirmed retailer listings |
| Country of Origin | USA | Manufacturer |
| Reloadable | No | Rimfire case |
Note on MV: Federal does not publish a test barrel length alongside the 2200 fps figure in their standard retail product listing. For rimfire ammunition, 2200 fps is consistent with a 22-inch or 24-inch test barrel. Real-world velocity from typical hunting rifles with 18–22 inch barrels will be 50–150 fps lower. Community-submitted chronograph data from specific rifle/barrel combinations is particularly valuable for this load.
Note on BC: Neither Federal nor Speer publishes a ballistic coefficient for the TNT projectile in 22 WMR. A G1 BC of approximately 0.100 is used for the ballistics table below, consistent with the typical range for 30gr hollow point 22-caliber rimfire bullets. All trajectory values are estimated and marked accordingly.
Ballistics Table
Zero: 50 yards | Sight height: 1.5″ above bore | MV: 2200 fps | BC G1: ~0.100 (estimated)
Calculated estimate. Federal does not publish a full ballistics table for this load. Values are derived from standard G1 drag model at sea level, standard atmosphere, using an estimated BC of 0.100. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2200 | ~322 | −1.5 |
| 25 | ~2053 | ~281 | −0.5 |
| 50 | ~1915 | ~244 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 75 | ~1787 | ~213 | −0.1 |
| 100 | ~1668 | ~185 | −0.9 |
| 125 | ~1556 | ~161 | −2.4 |
| 150 | ~1452 | ~140 | −4.9 |
| 175 | ~1355 | ~122 | −8.4 |
| 200 | ~1264 | ~106 | −13.1 |
| 225 | ~1180 | ~93 | −19.1 |
| 250 | ~1101 | ~81 | −26.7 |
Key takeaway: At 2200 fps, the 30gr Speer TNT launches with 322 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — meaningfully more than lighter 17 HMR loads, and with a heavier bullet that handles wind better at close-to-medium range. With a 50-yard zero, the load prints essentially flat from muzzle to about 80 yards, making hold-over intuitive for typical 22 WMR varmint distances. By 150 yards, energy has dropped to approximately 140 ft-lbs — adequate for prairie dogs and rabbits, but pushing the limit for larger varmints where expansion reliability matters. Barrel length significantly affects real-world velocity: a 16-inch carbine barrel will typically yield 100–180 fps less than the published figure, shifting all values meaningfully. The trajectory estimates above assume no wind; a 10 mph crosswind will push a 30gr bullet noticeably at 150+ yards.
The Speer TNT Bullet
The Speer TNT (Total Needs Technology) hollow point is one of the few rimfire bullets with a distinct engineered identity. Rather than a simple cup-and-core construction, the TNT features a thin, skived jacket specifically designed to initiate expansion at the relatively modest impact velocities produced by rimfire cartridges. The hollow point cavity is tuned to begin opening on soft tissue before velocity has dropped to levels that would stall a heavier, thicker-jacketed bullet.
In the context of 22 WMR, where muzzle velocities from typical rifle barrels run in the 1,900–2,200 fps range, reliable expansion is not guaranteed with every hollow point design. The TNT’s construction addresses this directly by prioritizing fragmentation and energy transfer over retained weight — a deliberate trade-off suited to varmint hunting rather than medium game where deep penetration would be the priority.
Federal’s decision to pair the V-Shok line branding with the Speer TNT bullet reflects the component’s reputation among varmint hunters who have used it in centerfire applications (notably the .22 Hornet and .222 Remington) for decades. The rimfire adaptation carries the same design philosophy into a platform that is lighter, quieter, and less expensive to shoot than centerfires.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Prairie dog, ground squirrel, and similar small varmint targets at ranges inside 125 yards from rifle-length barrels
- Fox, coyote pup, and small predator control where meat preservation is not a concern
- Rabbit and similar small game where a rapid, clean kill is the objective and pelt damage is acceptable
- Bolt-action and lever-action 22 WMR rifles where consistent feeding of a standard-diameter hollow point is expected
- Situations where a lightweight, low-recoil rimfire platform is preferred over a centerfire varmint rifle
Not the right tool for:
- Squirrel or rabbit hunting where pelt or meat preservation matters — the TNT’s explosive expansion is designed to destroy tissue, not preserve it
- Shots beyond 150 yards on small targets, where trajectory drop and wind drift become difficult to manage reliably
- Semi-automatic 22 WMR pistols or short-barreled handguns, where velocity loss may compromise reliable expansion
- Adult coyotes and larger predators where deeper penetration and retained weight are more appropriate than the TNT’s fragmentation-first design
- Any jurisdiction where expanding ammunition is restricted for hunting use — verify local regulations before purchase
Reliability Notes
Not enough data to draw conclusions. This section will be updated as community submissions accumulate.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product information, the Speer TNT bullet design has a long track record in both centerfire and rimfire applications, with consistent reports of reliable expansion at standard 22 WMR velocities from rifle-length barrels. Federal’s V-Shok line is associated with consistent primer ignition and velocity uniformity across a box. No patterns of feeding or ignition issues specific to this load have been identified in publicly available sources. As with all rimfire ammunition, performance in semi-automatic platforms can vary by firearm — function testing in the specific rifle before hunting use is always advisable. All notes here are drawn from manufacturer claims and open sources, not structured data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Maxi-Mag 22 WMR 30gr V-MAX | 30 gr | Hornady V-MAX (polymer tip) | ~0.125 | ~2050 fps | ~$18–$21 | Polymer tip; slightly higher BC than TNT; lower published MV than this Federal load |
| Hornady Varmint Express 22 WMR 30gr V-MAX | 30 gr | Hornady V-MAX (polymer tip) | ~0.125 | ~2200 fps | ~$19–$23 | Same V-MAX bullet as CCI load; Hornady’s own loading at comparable velocity |
| Winchester Varmint HV 22 WMR 30gr JHP | 30 gr | JHP | — | ~2250 fps | ~$16–$20 | Budget-friendly option; simpler hollow point construction; higher stated MV |
| CCI Maxi-Mag 22 WMR 40gr TMJ | 40 gr | Total Metal Jacket | — | ~1875 fps | ~$17–$20 | Heavier bullet; no expansion; better for plinking or areas with restrictions on HP |
| Speer Gold Dot 22 WMR 40gr HP | 40 gr | Bonded HP | — | ~1850 fps | ~$22–$26 | Premium bonded construction; oriented toward self-defense use in 22 WMR handguns |
Note: No listed competitors carry known active recalls or discontinuation notices at the time of publication. Advertised velocities are manufacturer-stated figures where available.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $16–$22 per 50-round box; case pricing (60 boxes / 3000 rounds) is available from some distributors
- Per-round cost: $0.32–$0.44/round — mid-premium tier for 22 WMR
- Direct competitors like the CCI Maxi-Mag 30gr V-MAX typically run $0.36–$0.42 per round, similar to or slightly below this Federal load
- Budget alternatives such as Winchester Varmint HV can be found at $0.28–$0.36/round, offering meaningful savings for high-volume varmint sessions where premium construction is less critical
- Fair price benchmark: $17–$21/box is a reasonable market range. Prices above $24/box warrant comparison shopping unless supply is constrained in your area.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Federal Premium 22 WMR 30 Gr Speer TNT HP (Box)
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FAQ
Does the Speer TNT bullet actually expand reliably at 22 WMR velocities?
The Speer TNT is specifically engineered with a skived, thin jacket intended to initiate expansion at impact velocities lower than those required by heavier centerfire bullets. At the 2200 fps muzzle velocity of this load, the design is generally effective on soft tissue from rifle-length barrels. At shorter barrel lengths — particularly handgun barrels under 5 inches — velocity loss may reduce the reliability of expansion, and a different load may be more appropriate for that platform. Testing in the specific firearm is always recommended before hunting use.
How does this load compare to the CCI Maxi-Mag 30gr V-MAX in practical varmint hunting?
Both loads use 30gr bullets, but the Federal V-Shok publishes a notably higher muzzle velocity — 2200 fps versus approximately 2050 fps for the CCI Maxi-Mag 30gr V-MAX. The Hornady V-MAX polymer tip used in the CCI load offers a slightly higher estimated BC (~0.125 G1), which provides a marginal trajectory advantage at longer ranges. The Speer TNT relies on a hollow point cavity rather than a polymer tip for expansion initiation, which some hunters prefer for its more immediate fragmentation behavior at close range. At distances inside 100 yards — where most 22 WMR varmint shots occur — the practical difference in terminal performance between the two is unlikely to be significant, but the Federal load’s higher velocity gives it a slight edge in retained energy downrange.
Is this ammunition suitable for hunting coyotes?
The 30gr Speer TNT HP is designed for varmint targets in the small-to-medium range — prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rabbits, and similar animals. On adult coyotes, the 30gr bullet’s light weight and explosive expansion design prioritize tissue disruption over deep penetration, which may not produce reliable results on a larger, denser-bodied animal. Hunters targeting coyotes with 22 WMR would generally be better served by a heavier bullet — 40gr or 45gr — with better sectional density and penetration characteristics. This load is not the optimal choice for that application.
Can this load be used in a 22 WMR semi-automatic rifle or pistol?
The Federal V-Shok P765 is a standard-specification 22 WMR round and is not inherently incompatible with semi-automatic platforms. However, 22 WMR semi-automatics can be more sensitive to ammunition variations than bolt-action rifles, and not every load will cycle reliably in every firearm. The hollow point profile of the TNT bullet may also interact differently with the feed geometry of specific semi-automatic designs compared to a flat-nosed or round-nosed profile. Function testing with several rounds before relying on the load in a semi-automatic is strongly recommended.
Why is the V-Shok line called “Federal Premium” in some listings?
V-Shok is a sub-brand within the Federal Premium umbrella, used to designate Federal’s rimfire varmint hunting line. Both names are technically accurate — this load is manufactured by Federal Ammunition and sold under the Federal Premium brand, with V-Shok identifying the specific product family. You may also see this load listed under the newer name “Varmint & Predator Speer TNT” in more recent Federal catalogs. All names refer to the same MPN P765 product. When searching for this load, using the MPN P765 or UPC 029465056988 will return consistent results across retailers regardless of which name they use.
Submit Your Data · Real-World Results
Manufacturer velocity figures are measured under controlled lab conditions — barrel length, temperature, and lot number all affect real-world performance. The data below comes from community submissions tied to specific test conditions and reviewed before publishing.
Once this page reaches 3 approved submissions, aggregate velocity and confidence level will appear here automatically.
| UPC # | Firearm | Barrel (in) | Avg Velocity (fps) | Shots | Temp (°F) | Chronograph | Lot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 029465056988 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | No data yet |
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Last updated: May 2026 · Data confidence: Low (0 submissions)
