Federal fusion?

[cjmac]

Just found out federal offers the fusion as a component bullet now. Thay say there design for whitetail, but i hear a 50/50 on performance. Some say thay just pass through with small entry and exit wound. Other say thay leave golfball size holes . The idea is a rapid expansion bonded soft point for thin skinned game . Just wondering if anyone ever tried them or recovered one ? Might be the ticket for high shoulder shots ...

 

[Teknys]

I've used the Fusion Line in factory form with a 300WSM on Elk and Whitetail. Worked just fine. Also with a 338F and couple of Elk and a few deer also.
I don't know if the component bullet is different then the factory loaded ammo but I / We have been happy with them.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I've used them in factory ammo, and I'm currently getting a load set up from my 6.5 CM by loading them as a component.

They seem to hit WAY above their price point. Think of them as the least expensive bonded bullet you could buy.
So far, on deer and antelope, they work well. I would use them on elk if the opportunity presented itself.

 

[Blkram]

While I have shot them in a few rifles, I have not taken game with them personally. Just have better accuracy in most of my rifles with AccuBonds.
So far, it has proven to be the most accurate factory ammo tried in my LH Steyr Mannlicher Model M FS SE 6.5x55, producing .608" groups at 100 yards. I plan to use it for deer, moose and bear in the thick timber. It'll be good for deer out to 300 yards (retaining 1951 fps and 1180 ft lbs of retained energy) from its' 20" barrel, and moose to just over 100 yards with over 1600 lbs of retained energy.

My daughter uses them in her 270 Win and has taken moose, mule deer, caribou, and a stones sheep with them. I think we've only recovered one bullet from 5 animals she has taken (moose), and while I did not weigh or measure it, I can tell you it was a great mushroom and approximately twice its original diameter.

While working in the LGS's for several years, we sold a bunch of this ammo in many different calibers and cartridges as it is reasonably priced. Feedback from those customers over the years was good to excellent. And I never heard of any rifle that wouldn't shoot them at least acceptably well. And no one complained about their on-game performance. Most had happy, smiling faces telling us about their successful hunts, or the successful hunts of their wives and children, or grandchildren too.

If it shoots well in your rifle, go forth with confidence and sharp knives!

 

[TNBillyEarl]

These were my choice before I started reloading; 140g going 2800 out of a 7mm-08. They were accurate and they anchored my deer better than anything I shot prior or since (at that speed/size/energy). I found Nosler BT to be the closest in performance on double lung, broadside shots. (All under 150 yards.) I have never heard or even read a negative word on these. -B

 

[jimbires]

I knew an older Fella that used the Fusion factory ammo in his 7mm-08 . He shot a local gun clubs rifle class that only allowed factory ammo . He would bring targets to show me . this ammo shot very well out of his rifle , and he did use it for hunting . I don't remember of him complaining about bullet performance . if I remember right this shoot included targets out to 400 yards . remembering how pleased Dave was with the bullets , I'd give them a try

 

[rjm158]

I've killed two deer with handloaded Fusions/Gold Dots. One was a 120 gr out of a 6.5 PRC and the other was a 150 gr out of a 308. The 120 shot was 77 yards, the 150 was 105. Both deer died where they stood, both were chest cavity shots, terminal damage was significant to say the least. Though I didn't have to track them, I am confident the exit hole would have left an easily followed trail.

Accuracy was very good as well. I would have no qualms using them again.

A side note about the deer shot with the 6.5. I was walking to my stand early in the morning and a doe I didn't see, saw me. She began blowing, snorting, and stomping nonstop. Even after I was in my stand she continued, looking at me while taking a few steps between stomps. Finally, I figured any deer in the vicinity would know where I was so the hunt was probably ruined. I am a firm believer in the " if she blows, she goes" adage. She did and she did.

Ron

 

[cjmac]

I've used the Fusion Line in factory form with a 300WSM on Elk and Whitetail. Worked just fine. Also with a 338F and couple of Elk and a few deer also.
I don't know if the component bullet is different then the factory loaded ammo but I / We have been happy with them.

Heard mixed reviews but I guess thats normal kinda for any product. Wonder what causes small entry and exit wounds tho . Iv had it happen with other bullets

 

[cjmac]

I've used them in factory ammo, and I'm currently getting a load set up from my 6.5 CM by loading them as a component.

They seem to hit WAY above their price point. Think of them as the least expensive bonded bullet you could buy.
So far, on deer and antelope, they work well. I would use them on elk if the opportunity presented itself.

Im wanting to put one at the base on neck and see how it acts . My main reason for wanting to try it is its a bonded soft point at a good price point. they claim it opens pretty well the soft tissue but holds together well . Plus its its a pointed spot rather than exposed so an automatic wouldn't just chew them up

 

[cjmac]

While I have shot them in a few rifles, I have not taken game with them personally. Just have better accuracy in most of my rifles with AccuBonds.
So far, it has proven to be the most accurate factory ammo tried in my LH Steyr Mannlicher Model M FS SE 6.5x55, producing .608" groups at 100 yards. I plan to use it for deer, moose and bear in the thick timber. It'll be good for deer out to 300 yards (retaining 1951 fps and 1180 ft lbs of retained energy) from its' 20" barrel, and moose to just over 100 yards with over 1600 lbs of retained energy.

My daughter uses them in her 270 Win and has taken moose, mule deer, caribou, and a stones sheep with them. I think we've only recovered one bullet from 5 animals she has taken (moose), and while I did not weigh or measure it, I can tell you it was a great mushroom and approximately twice its original diameter.

While working in the LGS's for several years, we sold a bunch of this ammo in many different calibers and cartridges as it is reasonably priced. Feedback from those customers over the years was good to excellent. And I never heard of any rifle that wouldn't shoot them at least acceptably well. And no one complained about their on-game performance. Most had happy, smiling faces telling us about their successful hunts, or the successful hunts of their wives and children, or grandchildren too.

If it shoots well in your rifle, go forth with confidence and sharp knives!

We shoot about 150 yards mostly with 308 in plots . But iv few spots in the woods thats going to be about 50 yards or less . If itll shoot 1.5in at 100 thats plenty

 

[cjmac]

These were my choice before I started reloading; 140g going 2800 out of a 7mm-08. They were accurate and they anchored my deer better than anything I shot prior or since (at that speed/size/energy). I found Nosler BT to be the closest in performance on double lung, broadside shots. (All under 150 yards.) I have never heard or even read a negative word on these. -B

At first I was going to try the Hornady sst and heard lots of people that didnt like them at all . Mostly from thay caused lot of meat damage . Found these fusion and reviews where better

 

[cjmac]

I knew an older Fella that used the Fusion factory ammo in his 7mm-08 . He shot a local gun clubs rifle class that only allowed factory ammo . He would bring targets to show me . this ammo shot very well out of his rifle , and he did use it for hunting . I don't remember of him complaining about bullet performance . if I remember right this shoot included targets out to 400 yards . remembering how pleased Dave was with the bullets , I'd give them a try

Iv heard thay can be very accurate. But im not expecting anything crazy good as this is a automatic. Some of them not known for great accuracy lol. But that sounds promising

 

[cjmac]

I've killed two deer with handloaded Fusions/Gold Dots. One was a 120 gr out of a 6.5 PRC and the other was a 150 gr out of a 308. The 120 shot was 77 yards, the 150 was 105. Both deer died where they stood, both were chest cavity shots, terminal damage was significant to say the least. Though I didn't have to track them, I am confident the exit hole would have left an easily followed trail.

Accuracy was very good as well. I would have no qualms using them again.

A side note about the deer shot with the 6.5. I was walking to my stand early in the morning and a doe I didn't see, saw me. She began blowing, snorting, and stomping nonstop. Even after I was in my stand she continued, looking at me while taking a few steps between stomps. Finally, I figured any deer in the vicinity would know where I was so the hunt was probably ruined. I am a firm believer in the " if she blows, she goes" adage. She did and she did.

Ron

Sounds like from what im hearing thay need speed to expand on soft tissue shots ? That may be where the bad reviews are saying small entry and exit hole come from ?

Yeah I normally take them out soon as thay blow cause its over with after that lol

 

[wvbuckbuster]

I had read or heard That the Gold Dot and Fusion were one and same but don't know for sure but I did use a 120-grain Gold Dot in a 6.5x55 that grouped well and retained most of its weight in a water jug test at 100yds. I shot one buck at about 100yards broadside through the middle of the shoulder pass through the offside shoulder. Buck did a 180 ran about 50 yards before dropping. The exit was about the size of nickel very little blood trail. Internals were damaged perfectly. I didn't try them anymore.

 

[cjmac]

I had read or heard That the Gold Dot and Fusion were one and same but don't know for sure but I did use a 120-grain Gold Dot in a 6.5x55 that grouped well and retained most of its weight in a water jug test at 100yds. I shot one buck at about 100yards broadside through the middle of the shoulder pass through the offside shoulder. Buck did a 180 ran about 50 yards before dropping. The exit was about the size of nickel very little blood trail. Internals were damaged perfectly. I didn't try them anymore.

Interesting sounds like did the job tho ..it went through both shoulders ?

 

[Firebird24]

My 7mm-08 preferred the 120 to the 140 and the performance was flawless. This is my daughter’s first mule deer. Somewhere in the 300 yard range and passed through right behind the shoulder. I really like the fusion bullets. I use the 150 ablr from this rifle most of the time because I often shoot longer ranges and I love that it is a bonded bullet. But I have also used the 120 gr. fusion out to 500 yards on targets with great success.

 

[cjmac]

My 7mm-08 preferred the 120 to the 140 and the performance was flawless. This is my daughter’s first mule deer. Somewhere in the 300 yard range and passed through right behind the shoulder. I really like the fusion bullets. I use the 150 ablr from this rifle most of the time because I often shoot longer ranges and I love that it is a bonded bullet. But I have also used the 120 gr. fusion out to 500 yards on targets with great success. View attachment 30338

Thats a nice one .. Hopefully thay do that good on our small white tail down here and South Alabama

 

[Firebird24]

I shot a Nebraska whitetail with one but I can’t recall which deer it was-the problem of switching back and forth on favorite bullets in favorite rifles.
I do remember we started using the fusion bullets because they were cheap to practice with but they shot so well that we continued using them for a couple years. I don’t think I can load them any better than the factory ammo worked, not for accuracy anyway, maybe I could squeeze more velocity from them but I don’t need it-

 

[Ralt71]

My experience with the fusion line up has been all positive, both the regular line and the tipped line. I would not hesitate to try them in anything I shoot today and have done a few reloads with them as a component. The bang for the buck certainly is in your favor with these.

 

[Blkram]

Just some thoughts in response to the OP's responses to other posts...

As with any bullet (or ammo), you must try it in your rifle (firearm) to determine if it will be accurate or not. Never a guarantee of a rifle performing well with the bullet(s) we would like to use.
This is why we have the opportunity to try various bullets, ammunition and/or handloads; to determine what will perform best in our rifle, and then match that to the game or target we intend to hunt or shoot.

Many of the mono metal and/or some of the bonded bullets can be finicky to get to load for accuracy...Barnes bullets and Nosler's LRABs being prime examples. They either do very well, or not well at all. Seems to be no middle ground for acceptable accuracy in some rifles. I have found that the Nosler AccuBond has proven to be the easiest bullet in my rifles, regardless of caliber and chosen weight, from .257 to .375 cal to quickly find accurate loads, and has consistently performed well on game. But as with anything, this is just my experience.

As for on-game performance, that is another story.
I know most of us want top notch accuracy so that we can be confident that if we do our part in placing the bullet accurately in the vitals, and top velocities to flatten trajectories. And that the bullet will have the necessary retained velocity to expand properly, and retained energy, for more tissue damage and hydrostatic shock, and good weight retention for proper penetration to ensure quick, clean kills.

This requires better evaluation of where and how we hunt, and the game we are hunting, to pick the right cartridge that will provide the proper level of performance for the bullet chosen, with the proper qualities, to meet this expectation.

If the game is going to be taken within reasonable distances, say 300 yards or less, than most flat based cup and core bullets will work just fine on most animals, with most cartridges that can provide the recommended retained velocity (in most cases 1900 fps or more) and energy (1000 ft lbs for deer sized game, 1500 for moose, and 2000 for bison and large bears (grizzly/brown) for the bullets' proper expansion, retained energy, that will reliably penetrate to the vitals to create the bleeding necessary for rapid blood pressure loss, or central nervous system shock to produce that quick, clean kill. Bullets that are designed with Partition separating the nose lead form the heel lead, such as the Nosler Partition, and Swift A-Frame have earned great reputations for ensuring that weight is retained to enhance penetration, even after the nose section has expanded and/or shed some of its weight and/or material causing tissue damage and bleeding on its way to or in the vitals.

If we are looking at animals with higher tenacity of life, heavier/denser bone, and/or thicker skin, such as elk, bison and larger bears, and boars, wildebeest, zebra, eland, and/or dangerous game, than a bullet of stouter design makes more sense, such as a bonded bullet or mono metal design. They are designed to have higher Sectional Density (SD) to retain more mass as they expand, ensuring that they will penetrate tough hide, heavier/denser bone, and still make it to the vitals for more effective killing capacity. The minimum recommended SD is .250, and for DG it is .300. Nosler AccuBonds, Hornady InterBonds, and Federal Fusion bullets represent the former type, while Barnes X Bullets started out, and transformed into the TSX and TTSX lines, and Nosler's E-Tips, and Hornady's CX bullets, represent the latter type.

Sleeker, boattail designs enhance a bullet's BC, that provides better flight characteristics for 300 yards and beyond, for enhanced velocity and weight retention, and flatter trajectories from higher velocity cartridges, have been around for several decades, and have performed well. Nosler Ballistic Tips and Sierra Game Kings come readily to mind.

The recent trend to shoot and/or hunt at longer distances has required a redesign of the bullet to ensure higher Ballistic Coefficients (BC) to better retain velocity and energy past the typical distances most game is taken at. This means that the bonded bullets must still expand to about twice their original diameter, yet retain half or more of their mass for reliable penetration at those lower numbers due to the longer distances travelled. Some great bullets are now being produced that can do this, such as the Nosler LRAB, Federal Terminal Ascent, and Swift Zephyr bullets. (While the Bergers, originally a target/match bullet design, also are accurate and retain velocity well, and transfer energy well, due to their frangible design, they fragment more for more tissue damage and/or central nervous system damage and shock for quick kills. Their weight retention though is less from what I have read and seen. Not saying that they don't work; they just work differently.)

The tougher/trickier task for these bullets is that while chosen for longer range performance, many are still used on shots on game that are significantly less (100-300 yards), and must still provide proper performance, and not just blow up on the shoulder or hide and not penetrate to the vitals for a kill, leaving large, ugly wounds that may ultimately kill the animal, but neither quickly or cleanly. Or that a mono metal bullet cannot always expand properly if encountering game at lower velocities at longer distances.
Or even worse, even if it has sufficient velocity for proper expansion and penetration, if it only encounters hide, lungs, and hide again on lighter game, and does not encounter bone (except light rib bone), thick/heavy muscle tissue, or tougher hide, it does not expand properly and may just pencil through the animals without proper tissue damage, imparting sufficient hydrostatic shock, or encountering the central nervous system,, and will leave less bloodtrail to follow for recovery, and the animal is able to travel further and last longer before it expires. This may result in lost animals.

And I think that there is still a misconception amongst newer shooters and hunters about the bullets that are being advertised as "premium" that "must" be used to kill game, and that they should all be using bonded or mono metal bullets only. Do not fall for the marketing hype, or parroted misinformation of the inexperienced/less knowledgeable people selling rifles and/or ammo behind some of the store counters, or those internet wizards that prevail many other forums.
You do not need a premium bullet to kill most game, and if the only game you hunt is deer, and smaller bodied deer at that, you don't need a premium bullet or a magnum cartridge, because again, most game is taken within 200 yards, not the 500-600 yards many seem to expound today. Use a reasonable cartridge/bullet combination, and enjoy your adventures and successes!

The other thing is tissue damage/lost meat. Due to the way a bullet kills means that there must be tissue damage to result in the blood loss to kill. Only if the central nervous system is struck, whether it be the spine in front of the the shoulder and neck, or the brain, will there be less tissue damage, to none at all. I know that many talk about eating up to the bullet hole, but this is usually the result of larger, heavier, slower cartridges delivering a lot of energy that still results in the required hydrostatic shock to the body and nervous system, and loss of blood pressure to result in quick, clean kills. Or the bullet must not impact any of the larger muscle groups on its way to the vitals. But most small to medium bores do not work this way on typical shots where major muscle groups in the front quarters, or the backstraps are struck, resulting in meat damage. It usually requires medium to large bores to achieve these results. In my experience, only the smaller caliber, less powerful cartridges will result in less meat damage, yet still provide enough energy to destroy the vitals,

While I may not have taken as many animals as others, over my 39 years of hunting, I have take a fair number, in a variety of species, both here and abroad, in a wide variety of environments, and have used a lot of cup and core bullets, and bonded bullets.
While my experience with mono metals and frangible bullets such as Berger is limited, I have taken game with both, and have my own opinions on them. But I am not currently bound by local regulation to use lead-free bullets either. I have also done some guiding of big game, and spent a number of years working in LGSs.

Not knowing you, and your experience, and given just a brief intro as to your intended hunting scenario, I hope this information helps, even if just a little. (I know; so much to ponder!)
Hope you have success with the Fusions in your rifle and on your deer hunts!