Tipped Fusion vs Terminal Ascent

[BigThig09]

Just a hypothetical here…

If you had a 7mm PRC that shot both the Federal Tipped Fusion and Terminal Ascent into tiny little identical groups, which bullet would YOU choose for elk and mule deer in Colorado to 600 yards? @Formidilosus i know you speak well of the Fusion bullet and I’m a fan as well, but I see people rave about the TA also. Not really sure you’d go wrong with either but wanted opinions of the hive.

Thanks!

 

[hiker270]

Terminal Ascent all day. Frontal lead bullet with a solid copper shank so it expands reliably but the shank stays intact . Tipped Fusion is a non bonded lead bullet realistically designed for medium size game. Would it kill an elk sure but the T/A is a tougher bullet.

 

[ropeup79]

Both will work just fine. The fusions are a bonded bullet as well.

 

[omicron1792]

I shot the terminal ascent last year and I switched to tipped fusion this year for my elk hunt. TA groups well and dives deep, but has no fragmentation. All the deer I shot with them last year had small entrance and small exits.

The tipped fusion gives some violent explosion like an eld-m. The fused core continues to dive deep. I had great results on my elk.

Two tipped fusion entrance side in elk.



Bonded shank found in offside hide.

 

[Formidilosus]

Just a hypothetical here…

If you had a 7mm PRC that shot both the Federal Tipped Fusion and Terminal Ascent into tiny little identical groups, which bullet would YOU choose for elk and mule deer in Colorado to 600 yards? @Formidilosus i know you speak well of the Fusion bullet and I’m a fan as well, but I see people rave about the TA also. Not really sure you’d go wrong with either but wanted opinions of the hive.

Thanks!

Tipped Fusion.

 

[rockymtnsam]

Tipped Fusion.

Would you say the same for 6.5 PRC? I just came across the tipped fusion and wasn’t aware of them until now. Have a box of TA to see how they shoot out of my Seekins PH2

 

[Formidilosus]

Would you say the same for 6.5 PRC? I just came across the tipped fusion and wasn’t aware of them until now. Have a box of TA to see how they shoot out of my Seekins PH2

Yes

 

[rockymtnsam]

Yes

Mind sharing your reasoning? I know TA has less led, I prefer heavier bonded bullets if I can and I saw the Fusion Tipped is 140 grain, but curious why you’d take those over the TA.

 

[Formidilosus]

Mind sharing your reasoning? I know TA has less led, I prefer heavier bonded bullets if I can and I saw the Fusion Tipped is 140 grain, but curious why you’d take those over the TA.

Because the Tipped Fusion created a larger wounds. The TA creates relatively narrow, deep wounds below 2,200’ish fps impact.

 

[rockymtnsam]

Because the Tipped Fusion created a larger wounds. The TA creates relatively narrow, deep wounds below 2,200’ish fps impact.

Makes sense! Gonna see if I can find some before my hunt next weekend and test it out. I typically don’t shoot beyond 400 so if I can’t find any I’m hoping the TA will shoot well. Appreciate the response.

 

[Erussell01]

Tipped Fusion.

Hey form would you have any reservations using the 180 in 308? My gun sure seems to like them, but they aren't moving very fast out of the gate and they kick like a mean little donkey

 

[Jbehredt]

Terminal Ascent all day. Frontal lead bullet with a solid copper shank so it expands reliably but the shank stays intact . Tipped Fusion is a non bonded lead bullet realistically designed for medium size game. Would it kill an elk sure but the T/A is a tougher bullet.

Fusion=bonded, or fused.

 

[Formidilosus]

Hey form would you have any reservations using the 180 in 308?

No.

 

[SloppyJ]

Just a question, why are you stuck on these two bullets only?

 

[Halligan]

Based on the op, seems that his gun shoots them equally well

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Shot the bull in my profile pic at ~80 yards with 175 TA in .308. Impact velocity was 2400-2500, not sure what length barrel the factory published velocity is based on, but my RA was 22". Shot was steep downward angle, sheer cliff top to ledge below, and the bullet entered above the midline behind the near shoulder and exited just above the arm pit on the far side.

Upon impact, the bull dropped down to both front knees. As I racked the bolt, he stood back up, turned around, got behind some trees, and walked 50 yards before tipping over dead. I did not recover the bullet and entry was caliber sized and exit was roughly quarter to fifty cent piece sized.

The blood trail was significant due to the angle of the shot and damaging both lungs. The bull died in less than a minute. Had he gone much further, he'd fell and likely slid/rolled down bear grass and gravel 1,000' to the bottom below.

The TA killed the bull for sure. But given the same placement, if the TF cut the distance in half or anchored him right there, I would consider it for sure.

I will be trying out the 140 fusion in my 6.5 WSM when complete because of this thread. Thanks!