308 Winchester Federal Fusion Ballistics Gel Ammo Test

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Become a Channel Member! www.youtube.com/@masonoutdoors_masonleather/join Get the best range and outdoor gear here! www.masonoutdoors.com Get your handmade leather gear here! www.masonleather.com Let me know what you think about the video and please share, it’s a big help! Visiting the websites above directly supports the channel and helps me bring you more awesome videos!

[@Ivan-vn1pd]

can I send you some ammo to test to a p.o. box or something?

[@tufelhunden5795]

Federal Fusion just seems to be about the best hunting ammo in the USA at this time. Thanks for the testing.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@Roosterboy_00]

Agreed 100%

[@maxmccain8950]

I commend you sir on a very comprehensive and informative test. Much better than I’ve seen on any channel. Keep up the great work.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@wahyasaquii7563]

@@masonoutdoors_masonleatherHe’s right. This is about as comprehensive as any man can ask for. Well done. 👍

[@nelhead4807]

Federal fusion bullets are just amazing. And they look damn good expanded as well.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Absolutely

[@andyh3446]

Your breadown of the numbers was superb and covered everything. The information was presented clearly and simple to understand in the time provided, much better than the other channels, and I watch a lot of them. Excellent review, the best ballistic performance breakdown I've ever seen on any channel. Keep up the good work!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@keithreese9636]

Thanks so much! I use the 150gr & 165gr in my mod70 feather weight 20"barrel. Nice to know I chose a good load. Great job Lee!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@brianmeyer9119]

Your channel has been fantastic for comparing loads and pondering terminal performance. With your findings, I’d been leaning towards fusion .308, and wondered about the three loadings. Thanks for all the work you’re putting in!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@mr.mr.3301]

This is why I prefer Federal.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

It certainly delivers what you expect, unlike some others

[@mr.mr.3301]

@@masonoutdoors_masonleather I r been a fan of the 165 for the past few years.

[@Matt-en1kn]

​@@mr.mr.3301facts

[@EricChmelarsky]

Federal Fusion was the first bullet designed for Whitetail deer. Have proved to be accurate. You have proved them to be a perfect whitetail bullet. Fast expanding and high weight retention. Way better than ELD X. LOVE your content.

[@diggernash1]

They are loaded with speer gold dot bullets is my understanding. I think they are both under the same corporate umbrella now.

[@EricChmelarsky]

@diggernash1 thanks for the info. I did not know that. It does make sense looking at the bullet performance.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@atairuy]

Nice upgrade with the chrono! Way more accurate than the prochrono, now we get to see actual velocities vs declared

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

This one is much easier to use, comparing data, the ProChrono still gave true averages, it did have it’s limitations though.

[@ikocher]

Fantastic performance and a great video. These keeping getting better and better. Well done sir. 🎉

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@TroyKSU]

Fusion is my go-to factory choice for Kansas white tail 👍🏻

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Great stuff

[@llkj7944]

That Fusion stuff is no joke!! Good video.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@rjoetting7594]

I haven't had a 308 for many years now, and I just recently bought one. So I will have to try this ammo myself. I've been using the Federal Fusion 150gr in my 30-30 for years, and it has been exceptionally accurate and very effective on whitetail deer. The rifle I use is a 26" barreled 1894 rifle built in 1917, with a tang peep sight (original Marbles). 61 year old eyes really appreciate the peep sight. My best group was .72 inches for 3 shots with two touching. My average is about 1.25 at 100 yards. This was using a Caldwell lead sled. And the flip-up fine peep. I should also add that I tried the 180gr also, and my best group was 2.25" and 3" was normal. I'm not sure why the difference, but I stuck with the 150gr afterward.

[@edjett2631]

That Federal Fusion loads are my factory loads of choice. Great bullets.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

They’re the most consistent by far of any bullet line I’ve evaluated thus far

[@Stanny936]

I’ve always wanted to see gel tests at distance. You are awesome!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@diggernash1]

Gold dots are a great choice in lead bullets...and Federal knows how to propel them.

[@brianguillot3403]

So are the fusions gold dot bullet ?

[@diggernash1]

@@brianguillot3403 I am almost certain they are.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

​@@brianguillot3403yes just different coating

[@Roosterboy_00]

@@brianguillot3403 yes , if not it’s a copy of the gold dot . The .223s compared to each other were the exact same all but 11fps and identical wound track, expansion and weight retention.

[@bigal7125]

Thanks for the "Impact Velocity." I was thinking that was the Kinetic was, thanks for clearing that up. That's still getting hit with over a ton of energy which is phenomenal. Great video, and thanks for doing the research!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@shovelhead2155]

Thank you. Keep em coming. Cant wait for the tipped Fusions to come out.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@carsonstivason5925]

I have been watching your videos for quite a while now and I really enjoy them and look forward to the new ones being released. This one is perhaps my favorite though. I like the side by side comparisons across the same line of bullet. Very informative and well done. Keep up the good work. I have even referred your channel to some other people to watch on a shooting chat forum where I belong. Thanks!!!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@suliandenny6076]

Thank you for doing the .308win!!!! Federal fusion is amazing all across calibers!!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@ZeroDon]

I watched your Hornady ELD-X video yesterday. I didn't realize this was another one of your videos lol. Thanks for the reviews. I like your energy.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Thanks for your support! If you’d like early access to videos and a way to directly support more videos like this, consider becoming a Range Boss! channel member here: www.youtube.com/@masonoutdoors_masonleather/join

[@oncall21]

Great start for the .308 comparisons. Love factory Federal if I don’t reload. Love the idea with the new metric and thanks for sharing Mason.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@WilhelmNauta]

I have had similar results from hundreds of Federal Fusion rounds. Very consistent, excellent accuracy, ballistics and terminal performance.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@stevemahrer7097]

Great systematic testing, well executed, and the testing rationale and results are well explained, well done! 👍

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! Please share the video to anyone or anywhere you think it may be of use, that would be a big help!

[@CreedmoorContractingSolutions]

This is funny because I was just looking through your videos to try and find a video on this ammo, and a week later here it is!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@MattC-eo6ep]

Thanks for the video! Best all-around caliber, and best all-around ammo. Love the Federal Fusion in all my rifles. This is my go to ammo for hunting and defense. My PA-10 with 20 inch barrel loves the Fusion .308 150 Grain MSR (i don't think this variant is still made by Federal). I bought 500 rounds a while ago, so I'm good to go!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@samhiss6807]

EXCELLENT INFORMATION. EXCELLENT VARIABLE CONTROL & CONSISTENCY. THANKS

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching!

[@Stu650Zuk]

I went back and watched your Fusion 150 grain test using your 30-06 and was surprised the average fps was less than 2 fps difference! They're within 50fps with the normal 150,165 and 180 grain factory bullets from just about any 30-06 you've tested, deer wouldn't even know the difference basically..They loaded these pretty darn good...Hope they group good for me..I bought 3 boxes to try a few months ago...Heading out soon to test them out. Thanks for the video we've been waiting for.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@averageaussieshooter9696]

Great review as always, very informative!!!👍

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@Paul-q3m7k]

Fusion is great budget friendly ammo . Accurate and gets the job done . That ammo would handle moose and elk no problem out of the 308

[@brenteverett80]

I was going to ask if anyone had ever taken an elk with the fusion in a 308.

[@saltyguerrilla]

Appreciate the thorough review, no nonsense! Subbed!🇺🇸🦅

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Thanks for your support, glad to be of service!

[@Swampytheroot]

I use the Fusion in both rifles and handguns. If they make a questionable load, I haven't met it. It's stunning from a lever action in 44 Magnum Nice presentation

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@ronws2007]

Great video. I have a supply of this ammo in the 165 gr. I have a TC Compass II in .308 (that I put in an Oryx chassis) that loves this round. .54 inches for two shots, which is all you need for whitetail deer. And yeah, the wound channel is what it is all about. This round gets in and then removes a lot of functioning material to bring down the game as humanely as possible. I also care most about impact velocity, rather than muzzle velocity. And let's choose the safe bet of 1800 fps to ensure full deployment of the petals. That is about 400 yards and the furthest most of us hunting whitetail in heavy woods is 300 yards or less. That is going to get a deer every time for not a lot of money. Especially the rig you have here. I have the Diamondback Tactical 6-24X50. Great scope for the price. Totally usable and affordable. My Compass II has the Venom 5-25X56. I like the eyebox and reticle on that. Get a cushy recoil pad like the Limbsaver Airtech slip-on. Performs great and allows you to practice with no flinching. The name of the game with this round is not the longest distance. It is about getting a deer in the winter wheat field on your aunt's farm.

[@jorge66518]

Thank you a lot for all your efforts doing those instructional videos🤝. I am fond of Federal ammo, in 308 I use Thophy Bonded Tip 180 with excellent at long distances. Congratulations!

[@austinmanhart9088]

I’d love to see you do an accuracy test/comparison between the three! Awesome content as always brother 👍🏻

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

I will at some point, Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@communityprepper6153]

Awesome video. Love the nerd out stats. Just (finally) got my first 308 and I'm down the KZbin ballistics rabbit hole!

[@mogulrider]

Great work Mason. It's Federal Fusion. IMHO for value and quality nothing beats it. In my guns it's the best there is. On animals - well you know...

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@r.awilliams9815]

That's as good as it gets for normal hunting ammo, provided your particular rifle likes them. I don't even have a .308 hunting rifle and I'm tempted to order a case anyway.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Absolutely

[@scottythebody0811]

Fantastic review! Thanks for posting!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@nadineherrell5426]

Great show. Thanks Michael Herrell

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@Gerald2121]

Excellent video. Thank you for clear and concise information!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@michaelkeselman]

Love the paint job on the rifle

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Thanks! It’s fun making these Rvger Americans look better haha

[@Eman3037]

Great Video...Thank You !

[@ejsocci2630]

Another great video, awesome ammunition off the shelf. Thanks for sharing,

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@nestorpetriw3340]

Impressive work. Very informative review!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@patchitwood7428]

Love this type of test. I would love to see Barnes TTSX in 30-06 with 150, 165, and 180 gr. Keep up the good work

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

Mason, federal blue box isn't my favorite. Not by a long shot. But the fusion seems to consistently perform at a stellar level. I might pick up some for my .270 win and see how it groups. And I really like including 100 yd velocities. Great addition to a great review.

[@shovelhead2155]

They are releasing a tipped version of these very soon

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@rickyanke9407]

I've been using 130gr fusions in my.270 for almost two decades. Consistently good accuracy and a very tough bullet. It just so happens that my son's 30.06 and my dad's 300wsm each like fusions over several other types of factory ammo. They might not be great for your rifle, but IMO well worth trying. Have fun.

[@devincook3278]

Phenomenal video brother

[@edwardbiasi37]

Fusion is my favorite do - it - all round

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Great stuff

[@johnreynolds6499]

Nice job. I enjoy your work.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@garytrainer1690]

Perfect. You are the dude. 👍

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@americansafarico]

Would love to see you check out their new Tipped Fusion!!!

[@zachklein4397]

Love your videos and the 308 win

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@fishandhuntmb]

My T3 300 wsm loves the 165 grain load, if i do my part a dime will cover up a 3 shot 100 yard group. They've worked well for plenty of whitetails and a few elk

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@TheGunNerd]

YAY MY FAVORITE SOFT POINT!!!

[@mr.mr.3301]

Best video yet.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@PassivePortfolios]

A guy from the local range used a 308 with 180 grain bullets (not sure what brand) to take a bunch of non-dangerous game in Africa. He said the heavy 180's bullets performed very well on some tough game. His rifle is a CZ.

[@talbyjustus6403]

Just tested the 165’s out of my used (new to me) Remington 783 with 22” barrel. Cold bore shot was right in line maybe 2” high next 3 shots were .5” high and almost touching for about 1.5” group including the cold bore shot and maybe .75” group excluding the cold bore

[@Paul-q3m7k]

The 165 seems to be perfect for the 308

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Maybe so

[@usafret4709]

Nice Garmin Xero! Love Mine. Going to hit you up for some leather for my 30-30.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@DouglasPrice-p9q]

... I chronographed an average of 2678 fps for the 165 grain 308 Win Fusion factory ammo out of my Browning BLR '81 Lightweight takedown levergun ... not bad for the 20" barrel of the BLR ... the "box" stated velocity was 2700 fps ... the accuracy was superb

[@rynerenzaglia8006]

Great video once again

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@TheCani1976]

Excelente video!

[@hotramen5952]

Best ammo on the market.

[@jimscallen6452]

Federal makes great ammo.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Absolutely

[@jamesC-xy1em]

Norma Whitetail works very well in my 308

[@charlconradie4935]

3 for 1 friday special. Nice. Excellent Video thank you sir!!!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@ThemantleofElijah]

This makes me want to buy federal fusion

[@MScott-y4g]

I have some of the fusions that I was fixing to start loading these but I didn't if they were any good are not? I think you more than answered my question. Thanks for this video.

[@leonardcianciotto547]

Great review👍🏼

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@JacksonEngineering]

I love that you’re doing .308 now! Great video! Are you planning to do the Winchester Deer Season XP 150? I had an… interesting experience with it last year, so I would like to see how it does for you.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

I’m doing everything 👍🏼

[@Buzz-rh4dz]

Love these bullets. Used them the last 3 deer seasons. Out of 4 deer, 3 folded on the spot. 1 managed to rare up and fall over backwards. So not quite dropped in tracks, but close.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@a.joegevara3519]

Now you're talking! I'd love to see Hornady 150g SST, I've never had a deer take a single step after being shot with that!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

It’s coming

[@phild9813]

The performance of these was shockingly similar. Like you said, pick the one your rifle likes best. I’d like to see a direct comparison between these results and a test of the same bullets but loaded in 30-06.

[@bobbygreen2291]

I have used fusion many years on bucks ,,it stomps a big buck like a bolt of lightning

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@andrewhirsch6472]

I strongly agree with your conclusions. Living as I do in the Northwest, clearly these are excellent loads for blacktails and mule deer, but for big-bodied Roosevelt elk? They expand too much, as you noted. The Barnes and Swift A-Frame bullets are more popular for that purpose. The A-Frames have lately become crazy-expensive, though.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@tylerhestla3022]

I hunt really close range. Got extremly lucky last year on a buck at 15-20 yards with 6.5 creed. But i bought a 308 specifically due to my federal soft point not expanding at all. Shor placment helped. At thes close distances woild you recommend Norma Whitetail 150g or federal fusion ? For 308 16inch riger american gen 2.

[@georgecruz6226]

Lets Get it test on Barnes TTSX 130gr! Great vid!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Thanks for your support! Already done and in editing. Get early access to my videos by becoming a Range Boss! channel member here: www.youtube.com/@masonoutdoors_masonleather/join

[@JakeisaHassell]

Love it! About to buy myself a nice 308 bolt gun. What about 357 lever though?

[@ds6872]

My son took a front shot on a large doe standing at 270yds. The 150gr federal fusion dropped her in her tracks. We found the bullet under the hide just in front of the rear leg. The bullet expanded completely all the way back to the base, looked exactly like the test bullets in this video.

[@FHHWHH]

Include impact ft/lb at 100yd as well as the velocity at 100yd, thanks, great video!

[@18wheelsandadozen6shooters5]

One thing maybe to add to the new data is ft/lbs at the target because that’s what really matters. Great job, keep it up!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@timsmith5837]

Great job,

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@johnnybessant4964]

Mason you are the man. I need to send you some .270 Win 140 grain Superformance to review. I'm just not sure about it.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! For various reasons I don’t accept anything from outside parties, but I do have a lot of 270 on hand including Superformance, I’ll get to it 👍🏼

[@smallbore7025]

I use the 150 grain fusion.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@MrYour1Fan]

Good stuff 👍🏼

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@josh9429]

Great info. My son has dropped several nice whitetail bucks with them. They are hog stoppers, too. The 165's shoot half inch or better for me.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@cjmcdaniel7322]

Crazy to think about the 243 fusion you tested had 18” average of penetration… the same as the 150grain 308s!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

It’s definitely interesting to see how things perform now that I’ve got a good size data set

[@ajpollard529]

Good job!

[@EliTeTritton]

Good ol Gold Dot/Deep Curls. Wished Speer still sold them, federal marks them up like crazy

[@DouglasPrice-p9q]

... where Fusion shines over Power Shok is the Fusions high BCs ... the 165 gr Fusion BC is .446 and the 180 gr .503

[@rockchalk06]

That Garmin's the cats ass!

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Indeed

[@johnnorman7708]

Obviously you would have to choose accuracy over everything else here. Especially on deer class game at the typical deer killing ranges. I like the muzzle velocity range of all three for deer class game. I'm not a big fan of blistering fast hyper expanding bullets and fragmenting bullets for edible game anyway. These hold together, expand well, and do plenty of damage at fairly moderated speeds it appears.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Absolutely

[@Simon-talks]

Hey Mason, I just wanted to say, you are the man. But Charlie Daniels is the man just a little bit more.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! Hey, he did beat the devil in a fiddle dual so I have to give it to him!

[@aholland2804]

Loved this!! You’ve made me fusion fan out of all of your videos! Which one shot best out of yours? I’ve shot the 165s out of my Ruger and got 1.25 inch groups. It shots Hornady American whitetail 150s at about .5-.75 inch but I would prefer the fusions to hunt with. I want to try the 150s in the fusion next. How did yours do on them?

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! I don’t accuracy test when filming these, they were all plenty good for anything I’d hunt with them.

[@therichie9916]

I couldnt agree with you more.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support!

[@Lucky-si9hy]

Epic deer load shot plenty with it ❤didnt go 20...big 200 lb bucks

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Outstanding

[@pastorjosh44]

Great video. I believe Federal's website says they designed the Fusion specifically for deer. What round would you use for elk out of a .308?

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

Glad to be of service and thanks for your support! For elk, keep watching, I’ve got two great options coming up in my next few videos 👍🏼

[@JeremyGibson-ni5uu]

Iv used the 150 fusion 308 they performed flawlessly on deer and hogs.

[@masonoutdoors_masonleather]

They’re great stuff!