ABLR vs Terminal Ascent

aorams

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Messages
198
Good Morning!

Trying to decide between using 168gr Nosler Accubond Long Range or 175gr Federal Terminal Ascent in my .308 win (20” barrel) for elk season this year. Both are grouping equally well, TA is 50-80 fps slower. Any recommendations?

Thanks!
 
Good question. I have a very similar one. I'm playing with the 168 ABLR .284 and the 175 ELDX .284 in my 7 Sherman Short for this fall. The Nosler is 160fps faster on the same charge weight and both shoot sub MOA. I think I'm going to go with the Nosler for the extra velocity.
 
My dad and brother both shoot the Terminal Ascent in their .30ca guns. That bullet is the perfect construction IMO, tipped, bonded lead jacket up front and solid shank in the back. Essentially the perfect bullet.

I also like the Accubond and it too is proven.

I'd say whatever is shooting best cuz accuracy trumps everything.

I love the TA design, so that wins out IMO.
 
What distances do you tend to shoot at? While ABLR is workable at all ranges, It's more favorable for longer shots. I would lean TA if shooting within 400 yds. I'm still old school and prefer non frangible bullets for elk.
 
What distances do you tend to shoot at? While ABLR is workable at all ranges, It's more favorable for longer shots. I would lean TA if shooting within 400 yds. I'm still old school and prefer non frangible bullets for elk.

Most "experts" say you need a minimum of 1500 ft/lbs to effectively kill an elk.

For a .308

In those two bullet choices...

400 yds is the max effective range. (According the manufacturer boxes & their online literature.)
 
The ABLR expands reliably down to a really low speed compared to others. The ft/lbs are irrelevant. Speed is what it takes to open a bullet. The ABLR will expand almost all the way down to 1300. In theory that's about 900 yards with 2650 @ the muzzle. It will cover pretty much any distance the majority of shooters should limit themselves to.
 
Having killed Moose with both a 200g TA (300WM) and a 180g AB (300WSM) both work just fine. Pick the one you like the most and enjoy the hunt!
 
I don't have first hand experience but I think from everything i've seen online the TA's should be better for up close shots, while at distance they'd probably have equal performance. I did just buy some TA's myself to test out for an elk gun.
 
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