KING OF AMMO!? 30-06 150gr Federal Fusion Ballistics Gel Ammo Test

Let's do a ballistics gel test and review of the 30-06 Springfield Federal Fusion 150 grain jacketed soft point hunting ammo fired from a Tikka T3X Superlite Stainless bolt action rifle chambered in 30-06 Springfield with a 22.4 inch barrel.
Checkout my leather gear handmade by me, just for you here: www.masonleather.com/store/c1...
All shots are fired from a distance of 100 yards to encompass the majority of common real world hunting scenarios with this caliber.
I will be shooting into 10% ballistics gel from www.clearballistics.com that has been calibrated to meet the FBI ballistics testing protocol.
While ballistics gel isn’t an exact proxy for big game, small game, predators or defensive situations, it does provide a repeatable medium through which to test various bullets and ammunitions against each other.
With each type of ammo tested I collect data on bullet penetration depth, bullet weight retention, bullet expansion and muzzle velocity.
For reference, bullet expansion is measured at the widest expanded point using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper.
Bullet weight is measured using a calibrated Frankford Arsenal Digital Scale after having removed as much ballistics gel as possible from the expanded bullets.
Bullet velocity is measured using a ProChronoPal chronograph set approximately 7’ from the shooting bench.
I am fully aware that a chronograph measuring bullet velocity from 7’ away from the muzzle is going to register a slower velocity than if velocity were measured directly at the muzzle, but that difference is going to be so small as to be all but irrelevant in regards to comparison of actual measured velocity versus factory stated velocity.
My goal with these ballistics gel tests is to provide hunters like you and I with the most objective information possible to help us make the best choice for our particular hunting situation.
The results of these tests are my own and I cannot guarantee the same or similar performance on your part. The views and opinions expressed in this video are solely my own.
All videos are filmed in a safe and controlled environment on a private range with all applicable safety precautions by a trained professional.

[@masonleather]

Leather gear handmade by me, just for you! www.masonleather.com/store/c19/shop-all-gear#/

[@gwade96]

I love the 30-06 content. I'd like to see the 175gr Terminal Ascent next!

[@masonleather]

It’s coming

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

In 270 it seems to pencil through deer. Most shots were less than 125 yards.

[@masonleather]

That definitely doesn’t bode well for longer range shots either, I’ve heard from people that use them in the field they seem to be a tough bullet, maybe a bit too tough.

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

@masonleather yup. I started using hammer hunter. There a copper bullet with a hollow point. Very accurate

[@gwade96]

@masonleather I shot a cow Elk at 225yds with the 30-06 175gr Terminal Ascent. It was a broadside shot through the shoulder, hitting both lungs and grazing the heart. The bullet stopped in the far side shoulder which I wasn't able to recover before taking it to a meat cutter. From what I saw the bullet did its job, deep penetration and a nice wound channel.

[@michaelrocole7174]

From rabbits to moose the 30-06 gets it done with a very wide variety of bullets for all those applications the 30-06 may be THE most versatile cartridge known to man.

[@masonleather]

It’s a great option!

[@canuckmagnum5841]

I just bought a new Tikka T3X Stainless Laminate in 30-06. I own a multitude of different centerfire cartridge's from 22-250 to 45-70 but I keep coming back to the Ol' .30-06

[@curteaton]

I bought the same one in 2017. Got about 1100 rounds through it now and it shoots better than new. I treated it to a nice stainless bottom metal too. Great rifle, good choice.

[@Simon-talks]

The world is still trying to figure out if Mason's CZ rifle in 5.56 has an 18 OR an 18.5 inch barrel, but we just can't recall and the world may never know...

[@donwyoming1936]

I know which barrel length he has. It wasn't hard to find.

[@larrymac5867]

My son shot a young Nilgai bull this year (300 lbs) with 30/06 shooting Federal Fusion 165 grain. Shot was just shy of 100 yds. The Bull dropped in its tracks. High shoulder shot and the slug was recovered between the hide and meat on opposite shoulder.

[@MrAntuan25]

Amazing consistency

[@masonleather]

Absolutely

[@megastick9324]

I stumbled on the fusions several years ago. My old Savage 110 LOVES the 165gr loads. I had picked up some Wally World 165gr “ Deer thugs” promotional ammo as it was cheap on sale. It shot unbelievably well. When I went to get more it was gone. After some research online there was a debate whether or not it was fusions in a different box. So I found some Fusions in 165gr to try. Well, long/short, they shot as well or better than the “ thugs” from the old Savage, under an inch @100yds consistently, and generally around .5 to .75 inches. As I’m no expert marksman I was elated to find “ budget” ammo that was so consistent! And it drops the deer like thors hammer most of the time, if I do my part. It’s my go to for several years now. Thanks for the tests.

[@northshores7319]

Was thinking 'bout gettin a .357 Magnum Lever action rifle till I watched this video. The action of this bullet tells me to step up to the 30-30 rifle to put the intruders down with just one shot. Thanks for a well done show!

[@BennettHUNT-kp9es]

I have using Federal Fusion in 30-06 with great results Whitetail hunting. Thanks for the video.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@donaldmonroe8503]

Love the 30-06 content, thank you.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@oncall21]

Great video Mason on a classic calibre. Thanks for sharing!

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@jimbro650]

Love the detail in all of your videos bro 👍🇺🇸🗽

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@user-pv9ep8gf9w]

I get great performance with fusions and the Accubond both in 06/165’s. I haven’t seen you review of the nosler but will look for it. Frontline guys and you provide great information for hunters. Thanks

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

Great 30-06 test. Still one of the best all around cartridges out there for medium to large north American game. I wouldn't mind seeing some more .44 mag stuff. I got a feeling you got some interesting rounds to run through that nice Ruger lever gun.

[@masonleather]

Lots of everything in the pipeline

[@jeffreylocke8808]

The 30/06 is modeled after the 7 x 57 Mauser. And conversely the 50 Browning Machine Gun aka BMG is designed after the 30/06. A tried and true lineage.

[@50under]

Would like to see 150gr fusions in .308 and .270 also!

[@masonleather]

Coming

[@goranmalnar5172]

And 180 in 300 win mag.

[@keithreese9636]

Just can't do any better than Fusion. works great in 308win also

[@masonleather]

It just seems to work (unlike some others)

[@TheGunNerd]

Fed fusion is my favorite soft point. It often has accuracy that rivals that of tipped ammo, holds onto energy quite well at distance, consistently performs well. Nothing negative I can say about it

[@johnmorganjr769]

Thank you !! Great content, its real world. 👍

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@garytrainer1690]

Great stuff. 👍👍

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@rynerenzaglia8006]

Love the video.

[@masonleather]

💯

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very nice. Good stuff.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@Sourdough444]

Well done Buddy.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@danielpray9089]

Thanks for all the work you do for hunters. I have a 30-06 with a 24" barrel; an older Weatherby MkV. Purchased some of the 180 gr fusion for this fall's bear hunt (if I draw a tag). Thanks for your test on that load. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Am sure it would work well. Working up loads for 358 Win and 45-70. Which to use depends on exactly where I hunt. Thanks again. Great job. Best of them all. Have a good day.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service! I hope you draw the tag, any of those would make an awesome bear rifle

[@Dylan-jw8if]

You should test the Remington load with Speer Impact bullets, they are essentially a tipped Fusion bullet. Remington Premier Long Range

[@hobbyoftheday4017]

I use federal fusion in my 308 and 6.5 prc both fifle shoot it the best. Even better than match ammo for the 308. And great results on deer as well.

[@masonleather]

Awesome

[@mr.mr.3301]

I’m a fan of the 165s and 308 and 3006.

[@curteaton]

Because of your videos I picked up some fusion 150gr and 180gr to see how they shoot in my .30-06 and next year I'm going to run Fusion in my 243. Federal should be writing you checks.

[@masonleather]

Awesome! Haha, just calling it like I see it!

[@megastick9324]

Try some 165gr in that 06, my old Savage 110 LOVES them for accuracy, and the game hates them for performance.

[@curteaton]

@@megastick9324 I've been watching for them, Thanks!

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Love the .30-06 and your content on it as well . I tried some Federal Fusion 165 grains in a Browning A-Bolt II .300WSM and the best it would group was 2.75” at 💯. It would print cloverleaf groups with Winchester 180 grain XP3’s ☘️ So I never bought anymore Fusion stuff , but I may try some of these 150 grains in my .30-06 Winchester model 70 Featherweight and see how it goes.

[@masonleather]

Glad to be of service!

[@christianxbolt]

I use a Browning xbolt 300wsm 180 grain Fusion 4 moose so far . It's a great load

[@mot0rhe4d40]

The Fusion bullet is the only one I have come across that my 7mm-08 Tikka T3X Hunter really didn't like. Havent tried a fusion load in the old '06 yet. May have to find some.

[@desertrat79]

Tikka is known for their barrels to run a little slower. Another brand might hit that 2900 fps. If the test barrel was 24", all things being equal, you can expect to lose about 50 fps there too.

[@masonleather]

I’ve evaluated over 100 factory loads across 15 calibers/gauges fired from 16 different guns across 8 different manufacturers and not one of them consistently (or even once in a dozen loads) produces velocities at, above or typically even close to what is stated my the ammo manufacturers. The manufacturer’s barrels aren’t the problem, Tikka or otherwise.

[@anthonyfairbanks2952]

Love to see a 7mm-08 testing

[@masonleather]

I’ve got about 200+ videos in the pipeline, 7-08 included

[@user-ez4fx8uh8w]

There is already such a bullet with a polymer tip, it will be interesting to see it as well.

[@johnnorman7708]

Can't help but wonder if a lot of loads have been tuned to virtually duplicate each other with only minor percentages of departure in terminal performance.

[@whiskeymike8010]

Yup.. Still The King! Perfection! 30-06 4 Life!

[@masonleather]

💯

[@papaBRO261]

Pmc 308 soft point would be interesting to see

[@atairuy]

Awesome bullets, best for deer without doubt. Real velocities too (around 50 fps lost for every 2”). If only they could load it a bit hotter it would be amazing, 150gr @2900 for a 30-06 isn’t that much given the max load with h4350 gives 2950 with 165gr

[@donwyoming1936]

Ammo manufacturers often load them mild to ensure the bullet performs & doesn't explode, for best accuracy, and to compensate for shooting in high temperatures. That's why people hand load.

[@atairuy]

@@donwyoming1936 these bullets won’t blow up, they are bonded and I’m not talking 3300 fps neither but at lesst @3000 with 150gr, 2870 with 165

[@masonleather]

I just wish they’d print true information for the most common barrel lengths in use for a given caliber.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

If you are a hand loader or have a trusted hand loader. Winchester's 6.5 StaBall powder wringes out extea speed in the '06. Making it hit as hard or harder than a 7mm Mag. Have fun and stay safe. PS, You can get instant load data with this powder from Hodgon's online resource 😉👍

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

@@mot0rhe4d40Do you use magnum primers with the 6.5 Staball? I’ve heard people have better results with magnum primers with that powder.

[@hunterjohnson5635]

The .270 130gr Fusion per your test ties the .30-06 with way less box posted velocity and will have 10-20% less recoil. Is the .270 the better round? 🧐

[@masonleather]

There are a lot of people that would say the .270 is superior to 30-06 in certain circumstances

[@Jeff-sl8xz]

I've got and have hunted with and shot game with all of the standard ought six family of cartridges from the 25-06 to the 35 whelan and I still prefer the old ought six over the others while they all will work just fine I'm not such a big fan of the 270 even though I own four of them it's my opinion that the 280 is a much better round than the 270 it's my second choice after the ought six then the 35 whelan and the 25-06 just my choices even over the Magnums it All comes down to personal preference and what you're hunting what bullet your using the conditions your hunting in they'll never be a ultimate round for everything but the ought six and the 280 sure come close if the day ever comes that I can only have one perish the thought it would be the ought six without questions

[@jcnmartins]

Please test the winchester powermax 180 gr in 30.06. 😃 🙏

[@eggbert191]

Have you heard when the tipped fusion will be available? The fusion is fantastic especially the price

[@masonleather]

Nope, when they’re available I’ll get them

[@guaporeturns9472]

Thanks.. need some 357 lever gun footage

[@masonleather]

Coming

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@masonleather cool man

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@masonleather Do you make holsters for folks to order? I want a left handed flap holster for a 4 inch Police Service Six with some shell loops. My birthday is coming up , in case you were wondering what to get me.

[@masonleather]

I do not, but happy birthday!

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@masonleather So that’s a yes? Awesome. I’ll be checking my mail every day now. Thanks!

[@dimebag6982]

Have you ever had a bullet that was a higher velocity out of your rifle than advertised??

[@masonleather]

Yes, once or twice only

[@dimebag6982]

@@masonleather appreciate the prompt reply

[@benjaminbrown1179]

Everyone needs to look at these projectiles real closely. Speer gold dots?????? No better bonded all around hunting projectile for woods ranges.

[@eggbert191]

Anyone ever seen the fusion projectiles to reload? Seems impossible to find anything from federal

[@masonleather]

I have not

[@user-fh7fq8bc1c]

Hey Mason. Ever shoot any 30-06 sabot?

[@masonleather]

Nope

[@user-fh7fq8bc1c]

@@masonleather Do you want to?

[@user-fh7fq8bc1c]

@@masonleather Hey mason. If you would like to try30-06 sabot I could share with you. Let me know.

[@jerrykemphfer9436]

270 130 rem cc please

[@djl0fne]

Accuracy?

[@masonleather]

You cannot evaluate the “accuracy” of a particular ammunition with one rifle and one shooter.

[@Magnum_Express]

@@masonleather I agree. I have shot some dirt cheap ppu and pmc ammo that shot amazing out of my guns. Other times, I spent big bucks on Nosler Custom Accubond (the old red box) ammo that was trash in my gun.

[@djl0fne]

It would help your channel , to show penetration, retention and expansion , and general accuracy , its a general accuracy test with your gun and you shooting you would have an advantage over the other KZbin guys that just show groups at 100 yards. I like your channel

[@masonleather]

I have an entire series of shorts showing exactly that already.

[@adamhymas4620]

@@djl0fne accuracy testing would only be useful to people who don't know that accuracy varies between different guns.

[@TheGunNerd]

300 prc when?

[@masonleather]

Not for a long, long… LONG time.

[@TheGunNerd]

@@masonleather :'(

[@Longtrailside]

2950 is 308 velocity... Good amo though.

[@tonkatank045]

Trump 2024

[@jonstafford2691]

This is not truth social. Move on.