I can't explain it, except that maybe the Federal ammo intended for law enforcement is WAY hotter than "civilian issue" (and yes, I know that's an improper term, it expresses how some think).
Example: Federal used to make a lead hollowpoint 158 38+P load, as Winnie and Remmie do now. Federal's version can't break 800fps from a 2" barrel, some reports have clocked it down around 750. The Winnies usually pull 825 - 850ish depending on the gun, Remmies another 25fps or so.
This makes a difference, folks. A big difference.
Another example: Federal made up a 110 Hydrashock in 38spl standard pressure with a big JHP cavity, advertized as "tuned for max performance in snubbies". Yea, RIGHT. The crap needed a tailwind to see 775fps. That is just GODAWFUL performance, folks. It LOOKED great, and probably spawned the Winnie 130 Supreme +P and Gold Dot 135 as "visual copycats" - but Winchester and Speer offer honest performance, I'd trust my life to either load with the 135 looking better mebbe.
I could go on for days. Federal *stinks*. They're rolling along on the Hydrashock's reputation, back when it was the first really state-of-the-art JHP. The Gold Dot and MANY others have since kicked it's butt, esp. when combined with honest powder charges instead of whateverthehell they're sticking in there instead of bangstuff.
Sorry if I sound "heated" but there's NO excuse for what they're doing and they're gonna get people killed with failures to stop. They're profiting from the sales of shoddily designed garbage.