Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Ammunition Review

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off: Final Thoughts from Me

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off promises bone-crushing power and exceptional accuracy for big-game hunting. This ammunition, manufactured by Federal, is designed specifically for rifles chambered in .450 Bushmaster, offering a potent 260-grain soft point bullet. The Fusion line is known for its consistent expansion and deep penetration, features I was eager to test.

For years, I’d been searching for a reliable and accurate round for my .450 Bushmaster, primarily for whitetail and black bear hunting in thick brush. I needed something that could deliver a devastating blow at shorter ranges, where a clean, ethical kill is paramount. This round seemed to check all the boxes, blending controlled expansion with the weight retention necessary to punch through dense cover.

Upon receiving the ammunition, the packaging was standard, but the rounds themselves looked meticulously crafted. The electro-chemically applied copper jacket on the soft point bullet gave it a very uniform appearance. The weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its potential stopping power.

I had been considering Hornady’s Custom .450 Bushmaster and Winchester’s Deer Season XP, but I opted for the Federal Fusion due to its reputation for consistent performance and the attractive $3.00 discount. Federal’s Fusion line consistently receives high marks for accuracy and terminal ballistics, which ultimately swayed my decision. My initial excitement was high, anticipating a successful hunting season.

Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing occurred at my local shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions: clear skies and mild temperatures. I used a Ruger American Rifle chambered in .450 Bushmaster with a 1-4x scope for the test. The Federal Fusion rounds cycled flawlessly through the rifle, showing no signs of feeding issues.

The recoil was significant, as expected with the .450 Bushmaster, but manageable. Accuracy at 100 yards was impressive, with consistent groupings hovering around 1.5 inches. There were no noticeable issues, and the rounds performed as expected right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following months, I used the Federal Fusion ammunition extensively during several hunting trips in varying weather conditions. This included damp, cold mornings and dry, dusty afternoons. The ammunition consistently performed flawlessly in each environment.

I experienced no misfires or failures to feed, even after prolonged exposure to the elements. There were no visible signs of corrosion or degradation on the rounds, even after several weeks of being stored in my hunting pack. Compared to some cheaper brands I’ve used, the Federal Fusion rounds are a clear winner in terms of reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off

Specifications

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off boasts the following specifications:

• Caliber: .450 Bushmaster. This is a large-bore cartridge known for its significant stopping power at short to medium ranges.
• Bullet Weight: 260 grain. Heavier bullets generally provide better penetration and energy transfer, especially in dense cover.
• Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP). The soft point design allows for controlled expansion upon impact, maximizing tissue damage.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable, adding value for handloaders.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2200 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
• Muzzle Energy: 2794 ft-lbs. This is a measure of the round’s potential to inflict damage, and it is considerable in this case.
• Application: Medium Game. Specifically designed for whitetail deer, black bear, and other similarly sized game.
• Package Type: Box (20 rounds). Standard packaging for rifle ammunition.
• Primer Style: Centerfire. Reliable ignition for consistent performance.
• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.18. While not exceptional, it’s adequate for the intended short-range use.
• Lead Free: No. Traditional lead core for optimal expansion and weight retention.

These specifications are critical for the intended purpose: ethical and effective harvesting of medium-sized game. The heavier bullet weight, combined with the soft point design and high energy, makes this a devastating round within its effective range.

Performance & Functionality

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Accuracy is excellent out to 200 yards, and terminal performance is devastating on game. The controlled expansion of the soft point ensures significant tissue damage and rapid energy transfer.

One minor weakness is the ballistic coefficient, which limits its effective range compared to some other cartridges. However, within its intended range, it is a top performer. This round exceeded my expectations for accuracy and terminal ballistics.

Design & Ergonomics

The ammunition itself is well-designed and consistently manufactured. The copper jacket is uniformly applied, and the soft point is precisely formed. The weight and dimensions are consistent, ensuring reliable feeding and chambering.

The cartridge cases are clean and polished, making them easy to handle and reload. There’s no learning curve when using this ammunition; it performs reliably right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass cartridge cases are durable and reloadable, which extends the life of the ammunition. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, this ammunition should last for many years. There is minimal maintenance required, beyond ensuring the rounds are clean and free from debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off is compatible with any rifle chambered in .450 Bushmaster that meets SAAMI specifications. There are no specific accessories required for the ammunition itself. However, to optimize the round’s performance, consider using high-quality optics, such as a variable power scope with a bullet drop compensator. A good muzzle brake can also help mitigate the significant recoil of the .450 Bushmaster.

The rounds are also reloadable, meaning you can customize the bullet seating depth and powder charge. This allows handloaders to fine-tune the performance for their specific rifle.

Pros and Cons of Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off

Who Should Buy Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off?

This ammunition is perfect for hunters targeting medium-sized game, such as whitetail deer and black bear, in areas with thick brush or shorter shooting distances. It’s also well-suited for hunters who prioritize knockdown power and ethical kills. Those who enjoy reloading their ammunition will also benefit from the high-quality brass cases.

Hunters seeking to take long-range shots (beyond 200 yards) or those who are sensitive to recoil should consider other ammunition options. Someone who is recoil-sensitive or a new shooter may want to consider a different caliber altogether.

A quality scope and a recoil-reducing muzzle brake are must-have accessories to maximize the performance and manageability of the .450 Bushmaster cartridge.

Conclusion on Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off

The Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F450BMFS1 $3.00 Off is an outstanding choice for hunters seeking a reliable and powerful cartridge for medium game. Its accuracy, terminal performance, and consistent reliability make it a top contender in the .450 Bushmaster market.

The price is justified by the high-quality components and consistent performance. Federal’s reputation for excellence in ammunition manufacturing is well-earned with this product.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster ammunition to anyone seeking a hard-hitting, accurate, and reliable round for their .450 Bushmaster rifle. Equip your rifle with Federal Fusion and experience the confidence of knowing you’re using a top-tier ammunition choice!