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Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

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Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

Old 07-29-2008, 07:30 AM
  #1  
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Default Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

In looking at these two in 308 Win, they appear to almost be exact. Was wondering if anyone has really tested these side by side in 150 grain. Here is the test data:

Premium Vital Shok Nosler Partition
Velocity Muzzle 2840
Velocity 100 yrd 2604
Energy Muzzle 2686
Energy 100 Yrd 2259

Federal Fusion
Velocity Muzzle 2820
Velocity 100 yrd 2600
Energy Muzzle 2648
Energy 100 Yrd 2252

Wind drift, average range etc is identical

So what is the major difference and why one of the other? Thanks.
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Old 07-29-2008, 08:33 AM
  #2  
Dominant Buck
 
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

federal fusion and nosler partition are different bullets with vastly different characteristics. I'll take the NP over the fusion on large bodied animals. I had a buddy who tried the fusion on elk and didn't like the results based on recovered bullets. Give me the Barnes 180 gr TSX with Federal Vital Shok loads as my ammo of choice for elk,caribou and large deer.
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Old 07-29-2008, 08:39 AM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

Nosler partition out of a high velocity round will usually disintegrate or tear off the front core and the remainder will drive thru the animal. The Federal Fusion will expand much morebut stay together and not penetrate as deep as a partition. No one ever said that a bullet that stays together is more effective then a partition. I am assuming you are considering their use on WD.


n a 308 a standard cup and core bullet will more then suffice. All the deer I have killed with a 308 were shot with standard ammo with the exception of a 165 Sierra Game kings and all fell DRT. Used a 30-06 with standard ammo and same scenario.
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Old 07-29-2008, 08:57 AM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

Yeah my intended game is whitetail here in VA. Its pretty thick where I hunt - a 75 to 100 yard shot would be pretty far - I hunt 2 days a year in PA where a 150 to 200 yard shot isnt out of the question. Looking for something to do the job on whitetail as I really dont hunt much else. I do like the federal line and saw the fusion and was trying to determine the difference in the rounds
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Old 07-29-2008, 09:42 AM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

VA BUCK; Your type of whitetail hunting is similar to our hunting in northern Minnesota. I wouldn't spend money on premium bullets if I were you. Try the Federal 'Power Shock'line of ammo for $15.00 per box. They are just a standard soft point and have performed very well for me while deer hunting, and shoot clover leaf groups at the range out of my Rem 700. Here is a photo of a 260 pound 8 point buck I shot at around 65 yards last fall. This monster buck dropped on the spot from a Federal 'Power Shock' 150gr. in .30-06.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/huntingthenorth/DSCN3878.jpg
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Old 07-29-2008, 11:24 AM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

Good Lord thats a big body - we dont typically see that size. I appreciate your thoughts. One reason why the Fusion was attractive was the price. I assumed the ballistics wouldnt be as good as the regular Premium VitalShok but it doesnt reflect that at all.
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Old 07-29-2008, 02:51 PM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

No the bullet was supposed to be some type of new proprietary design.
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Old 07-29-2008, 03:12 PM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

ORIGINAL: Champlain Islander

federal fusion and nosler partition are different bullets with vastly different characteristics. I'll take the NP over the fusion on large bodied animals. I had a buddy who tried the fusion on elk and didn't like the results based on recovered bullets. Give me the Barnes 180 gr TSX with Federal Vital Shok loads as my ammo of choice for elk,caribou and large deer.
How about on average size whitetail?
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Old 07-29-2008, 05:45 PM
  #9  
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

The Fusions will work fine on deer here in VA. I took a nice doe last year @150 yards with a 120 grain Fusion from a .25-06. I have no reason to think the .308 would give any different results. The only thing is your rifle may shoot something else more accurately.
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Old 07-29-2008, 05:54 PM
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Default RE: Federal Fusion vs Premium VitalShok in 308?

I agree. Probably a great load for deer but not for something like a carabou, elk or moose and certainly not bear.
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