Federal Fusion Tipped Ammo

[Blkram]

I have been reading some good things about Federal's new Tipped Fusion ammo of late, but hadn't actually seen any here north of the border to try yet...

I finally found some at the LGS for the 6.5 CM and 7MM PRC, so I grabbed a box of each to try. Reasonably priced compared to some other ammo offerings.
I will let you know my results once I do, but for now, the data for each load is as follows:

• 6.5 Creedmoor: 140 GR @ 2715 fps with 2291 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle, BC of 0.529 and SD of 0.287.
• 7MM PRC: 175 gr @ 2925 fps with 3324 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle, BC of 0.575 and SD of 0.310.

Anyone try these yet?
Or any of the other cartridges loaded in this ammo?
If so, what performance are you getting?
And any in-game performance to report yet?

 

[Dr. Vette]

I've been trying to find the Tipped Fusion bullet as a component to try for reloading, but so far no luck.

I have said for years that the regular Fusion bullet is a much better bullet than anyone gives it credit. Some of the recent weight retention tests show that it keeps >95% of its weight. For a lead/copper bullet, that's impressive! Performance of a monometal with low cost...?

I'm going to be trying regular Fusion bullets in my 6.5 CM just to see how well it does.
Please keep us updated with your results.

 

[Blkram]

The regular Fusion bullet/ammo has developed a good reputation for acceptable to great accuracy in production rifles. I have never heard of anyone complaining that they would not shoot at least acceptable well, even working over the 4 plus years at the the LGSs.

The Fusion ammo has produced the following groups in the following rifles I (and my daughter) have tried it in to date :

• 6.5x55 140 gr 0.608" for 3 shot groups @ 100 yards (me, in my LH SM Model M FS SE), and
• 6.5 PRC 140 gr 0.537" for 3 shot groups @ 100 yards (me, in my LH Browning X Bolt Hunter).
• 270 Win 130 gr less than 1" groups @ 100 yards (daughter shooting it in her rifle (Rem 700 Titanium) - sorry, I did not measure her groups - she has taken moose, caribou, stone sheep and mule deer with it to date)

 

[jimbires]

I knew a guy that shot local rifle matches . he shot a few different classes , with one being an entry level class . I think the only rifle mod allowed was bedding . there was a limit on the scope power , and only factory ammo . he shot a 7mm-08 and used the fusion ammo . he did pretty good in this low budget class .

 

[Ralt71]

I've shot it at paper with a 7mm Backcountry, 7 mag, 6.5 prc and they shoot amazing. I wish I could find the raw bullet for reloading. I've heard rumor but can't confirm the fusion tipped and the core lokt tipped are the same bullet. Be interesting if that is the case. I grabbed a box of core lokt tipped in 7 mag and shot two 5 round strings of it. Results were very similar to the Fusion Tipped I shot. Doesn't say anything for being the same bullet, but certainly an improvement over the core lokt of the late 90's haha

 

[Grauch9]

The Fusion Tipped are deadly accurate.

I have been reading some good things about Federal's new Tipped Fusion ammo of late, but hadn't actually seen any here north of the border to try yet...

I finally found some at the LGS for the 6.5 CM and 7MM PRC, so I grabbed a box of each to try. Reasonably priced compared to some other ammo offerings.
I will let you know my results once I do, but for now, the data for each load is as follows:

• 6.5 Creedmoor: 140 GR @ 2715 fps with 2291 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle, BC of 0.529 and SD of 0.287.
• 7MM PRC: 175 gr @ 2925 fps with 3324 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle, BC of 0.575 and SD of 0.310.

Anyone try these yet?
Or any of the other cartridges loaded in this ammo?
If so, what performance are you getting?
And any in-game performance to report yet?

I have a Fierce Carbon Roque 7MM PRC "22" and Fusion Tipped is the most accurate ammo for my Bonded loving rifle. Close groups touching .53 group. Fusion Tipped ES 51 SD 18 , 170 Terminal Ascent was next 15.9 SD ES28. Then Barnes tied for close second.
For long range the results for the fusion were ok for premade ammo out to 500 but not long distance as were the results for the Terminal Ascent which higher BC'c

For 7mm PRC with Federal Bullets Federal has published reload data for a 175 gr Federal Fusion bullet — a great component benchmark for a heavy bullet in .284 caliber. Federal Premium Federal does not publicly list component bullets for 170 gr Terminal Ascent — most reloaders use similar bullets like Fusion, ELD X, or other 175 gr bullets as proxies. Federal Premium Community loads with powders like RL26, H1000, and Vihtavuori series are among the most often worked up for high velocity performance.

Although not mentioned rumor is Terminal Ascent uses Federal gold either 210 or 215 Primers
and has a higher BC for longer range

 

[Blkram]

The Fusion Tipped are deadly accurate.

I have a Fierce Carbon Roque 7MM PRC "22" and Fusion Tipped is the most accurate ammo for my Bonded loving rifle. Close groups touching .53 group. Fusion Tipped ES 51 SD 18 , 170 Terminal Ascent was next 15 fps.9 SD ES28. Then Barnes tied for close second.
For long range the results for the fusion were ok for premade ammo out to 500 but not long distance as were the results for the Terminal Ascent which higher BC'c

For 7mm PRC with Federal Bullets Federal has published reload data for a 175 gr Federal Fusion bullet — a great component benchmark for a heavy bullet in .284 caliber. Federal Premium Federal does not publicly list component bullets for 170 gr Terminal Ascent — most reloaders use similar bullets like Fusion, ELD X, or other 175 gr bullets as proxies. Federal Premium Community loads with powders like RL26, H1000, and Vihtavuori series are among the most often worked up for high velocity performance.

Although not mentioned rumor is Terminal Ascent uses Federal gold either 210 or 215 Primers
and has a higher BC for longer range

Welcome to the forum.

My 7MM PRC rifle is the LH Fierce Carbon Rogue with 24" barrel. We'll see how she likes the Fusion Tipped.
What velocity are you getting out of your 22" barrel?

My rifle shoots the Federal 170 gr Terminal Ascent ammo into .708" 3 shot groups @ 100 yards, at 2920 fps with an ES of 31.7 and SD of 12.9; most accurate load tested to date (rifle only has about 40 rounds down the pipe so far). I have been impressed with the accuracy and on-game performance of the TA bullets to date in my 6.5 CM (red stag, fallow buck, Arapawa rams and a caribou, ranging from 43 yards to 296 yards, all one-shot kills with complete pass throughs. The fallow buck travelled the furthest after the shot; 15 yards and mostly because when it jumped, it fell down the hillside to its final resting place). So far, only the 300 WSM won't shoot at least 1 MOA groups, and yet at 1.334" it is still accurate enough for hunting at typical hunting ranges. (My average shot distance on game over the last 38 years is just 132 yards! An di have taken game at 5 yards, out to 475 yards.)
The rifles next accurate load tried is the Hdy 175 gr ELD-X for .892" 3 shot group @ 100 yards, at 2788 fps with an ES of 38.7 and SD of 13.8. (I am finding the Hdy Precision Hunter to be slower than spec'd across the board on all cartridges tried to date.)
Federal's 175 gr ELD-X load produced a 3 shot group of 1.185" at 100 yards @ 2899 fos with an ES of 19.2 and a SD of 8.
The Nosler 175 gr ABLR ammo grouped 3 shots in to 1.049" at 100 yards @ 2888 fps with and ES of 14 and a SD of 5.8.

With this cartridge being loaded in excess of 60 gr of powder, I would imagine that Federal will be loading all their ammo with the 215 primers. I wouldn't be surprised that they are using Match primers in the Premium ammo line.

 

[Grauch9]

With a 22 inch barrel I am loosing on avg about 36 FPS per per inch off the box fps numbers 24 Inch test barrelio

1850 Fusion 18 SD / 51 ES TWO GROUPS TOUCHING .5 if not smaller some groups (Ok up to 500 but SD poor will suffer long distance)
1902 Terminal ascent 15.7 SD / 28 Close pattern .75 just like yours. But better SD and better BC (Hard to find Bullets But great BC and SD eill improve with reloading.

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1. Let you gun tell you what it likes to shoot​

My rifle prefers:
Fusion Tipped
Terminal Ascent
Barnes LRX
AccuBond
And dislikes:
ELD-X
ELD-M

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Why your Fierce prefers bonded/mono bullets?​

This is very common with:

• Fierce chambers
• carbon barrels
• magnum hunting rifles

Reasons:​

1. Bearing surface​

Bonded + mono bullets:

• longer shank
• more bearing surface
• higher engraving resistance

They create:
more consistent start pressure
often LOWER SD
sometimes better accuracy
ELDs are shorter/softer → sometimes less consistent ignition in big magnums.

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2. Jump tolerance​

Hunting bullets (AccuBond, Fusion, TA, LRX):

• tolerate big jump
• less seating-depth sensitive

PRC throats are long.
These bullets handle:
0.040–0.100 jump very well.
ELDs often get picky.

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3. Fierce factory testing​

This is the Biggest Clue:

Fierce shot my gun and used Fusion Tipped and got .53 MOA- There custom reloads called Dirtnap only reload the ELDX, Fusion Tipped and LRX.

Follow that breadcrumb.

---

​

 

[Blkram]

In talking to the technician at Federal's Custom Ammunition Shop a while ago, he indicated that Federal may not make the 7mm 170 gr TA bullet available as a component. They may only load in the ammunition. Hope this does not turn out to be true!
I am still waiting to find some of the 155 gr TA ammo to try as a comparison. Have not seen any here in Canada as yet.

 

[Grauch9]

I would not worry. They make more money when they sell the ammo. They are trying to extend the roll out so you cant do it yourself. There are plenty of other bonded bullets to pick from. Think of it this way as much as you love your gun eventually the barrel will wear out. Nowwith whats going on around the world the US military needs are increasing for metal, powder and components. Eventually Federal will, but right now they are have litterally shortages which is what they want. Maximum production, little shlef time expenses.

I have some shooter supply companies if you ever need anything.

 

[Ralt71]

In talking to the technician at Federal's Custom Ammunition Shop a while ago, he indicated that Federal may not make the 7mm 170 gr TA bullet available as a component. They may only load in the ammunition. Hope this does not turn out to be true!
I am still waiting to find some of the 155 gr TA ammo to try as a comparison. Have not seen any here in Canada as yet.

I hope it's not true. These TA's shoot really nice in factory ammo for me. I would love to be able to load my own.

 

[Blkram]

Interesting charts for seating depth.
Curious as to the stringing that was always discussed as vertical and horizontal stringing being barrel bedding issue and action screw torque.
Wonder at what point one is to discern it between bedding issues and seating depth?