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If you’re a long-range hunter, you know there are many factors that come into play when choosing the right ammunition. You need a bullet that is consistent in its manufacturing process, has a high ballistic coefficient, and is precise at long distances. That’s where Federal Premium Terminal Ascent Ammunition comes in.
According to Federal Premium:
“Lethal extreme-range bullet performance doesn’t look like the 2x expansion hunters see at conventional distances—it’s not supposed to. With petals that open instantly and peel back uniformly every time, the Terminal Ascent transfers more energy to the animal on impact and carves straight, deadly wound channels at all velocities.”
Consistent Manufacturing Process
Federal Premium is known for its high-quality ammunition, and the Terminal Ascent line is no exception. The manufacturing process for this ammunition is highly controlled, ensuring that each round is produced to exacting specifications. This translates into consistent performance, shot after shot, giving hunters confidence in their equipment.
Terminal Ascent bullets have a copper jacket and a lead core. Like the Nosler AccuBond bullet, the core and jacket are bonded together. In addition, they also have a skived jacket and a large hollow point nose cavity which helps to better initiate expansion over a wide velocity range. Another unique feature is what Federal calls AccuChannels. These are grooves in the jacket that are similar to what is found on Barnes Triple Shock bullets, but AccuChannels are different. Most bullet grooves are a straight cut; Terminal Ascent bullets have grooves with sloped edges. This helps the bullet be more aerodynamic, boosts BC, and helps to deliver consistent flight.
Finally, Terminal Ascent bullets have a solid copper shank. This helps with weight retention, which in turn aids with penetration. Because of the Slipstream Tip, skived jacket and bonding, Terminal Ascent bullets also damage a lot of tissue because they deform/expand over a broad band of impact velocities. Essentially what you get is a balanced delivery of penetration and expansion, which optimizes tissue destruction at close range and at a distance.
High Ballistic Coefficient
Federal Premium is known for their high-quality ammunition and the Terminal Ascent line is no exception. The manufacturing process for this ammunition is highly controlled, ensuring that each round is produced to exacting specifications. This translates into consistent performance, shot after shot, giving hunters confidence in their equipment.
The below data chart demonstrates the advantages of the BC as published by Federal Premium when compared to other .300 Win Mag Bullets such as Nosler, Sierra, and Barnes
Computations were performed utilizing the Applied Ballistics Software with all variables being the same.
The Barrel Twist Rate was derived utilizing the Twist Rate Stability Calculator per Berger Bullets. A stability factor of 1.53 was determined for the Terminal Ascent Bullet. The Twist Rate was then held constant across other Bullet specs for consistency’s sake.
Density Altitude was Calculated to be 519′ using the Density Altitude Calculator.
Drop in inches was determined purely from the muzzle and not taken into consideration a zeroing at 100 yards with a 1.5″ Height over Bore. This was to illustrate the pure drop from muzzle and eliminating the various ring heights available, thus describing the efficiency of the bullet in flight.
| Variables | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 59 F |
| Pressure | 29.92 inHg |
| Humidity | 50% |
| Barrel Twist Rate | 1:9 |
| Bullet | Ballistic Coefficient | Velocity | Drop at 1000 | Velocity @ 1000 Yards | Energy (ft-lb) | Time of Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Ascent 200 Gr | G1: .608; G7.304 | 2810 | -343.522″ | 1482fps | 976 ft-lbs | 1.470 (s) |
| Nosler Accubond 200r Spitzer | G1 .588 | 2810 | -348.603″ | 1470fps | 959 ft-lbs | 1.483 (s) |
| Barnes LRX 200 Gr | G1 .546 | 2810 | -363.569″ | 1393 fps | 862 ft-lbs | 1.527 (s) |
| Berger Target Hyrbrid 200.20X 200 Gr. | G1 .64; G7 .322 | 2810 | -333.660″ | 1546 fps | 1061 ft-lbs | 1.440 (s) |
The only one of the sampling rounds to show higher performance was the Berger Bullet Hybrid Target Rifle Bullet; however, the applications, according to Berger’s site, do not appear to be geared specific to Big Game Hunting, so your mileage may vary.
Precision at Long Distances
Long-range hunting requires precision and accuracy, and the Terminal Ascent Ammunition delivers just that. The bullet’s design and high ballistic coefficient ensure that it maintains its trajectory even at long distances. The round is also loaded with high-quality powder and primer, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent muzzle velocity.
We took the variables listed above and applied them to the Applied Ballistics Weapon Employment Zone Analysis to show expected performance at 1000 yards (914m) with minimal environmental variation. The projected hit success rate was 99.8%
Extended Expansion Range
This bullet’s capability to expand reliably at low velocities can be attributed to its lead core’s softness, tapered copper jacket, and Slipstream polymer tip. The polymer tip performs as a wedge upon impact, driving towards the rear and enhances the bullet expansion. It also heightens the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, decreasing air drag during the flight. Research utilizing Doppler radar has demonstrated that air friction could create heat and deform certain bullet polymer tips, leading to variances in flight characteristics. Nevertheless, the Slipstream’s design aims to prevent distortion caused by heat. During my initial attempt to section the bullet on the sander, the lead core melted into a molten mess; however, the polymer tip remained unaffected.
Lethal extreme-range bullet performance doesn’t look like the 2x expansion hunters see at conventional distances—it’s not supposed to. With petals that open instantly and peel back uniformly every time, the Terminal Ascent transfers more energy to the animal on impact and carves straight, deadly wound channels at all velocities.
Conclusion
If you’re a long-range hunter, the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent Ammunition in 200 gr deserves some consideration. Its consistent manufacturing process, high ballistic coefficient, and precision at long distances make it a reliable choice for any hunting situation. Coupled with expansion at lower velocities, this bullet has been designed with the Long Range Hunter in mind. Whether you’re hunting big game or varmints, this ammunition will give you the confidence to take the shot and make it count.
