Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet Review

First Impressions of Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet

The Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet promises match-grade accuracy and terminal performance at all ranges, making it a compelling option for reloaders pursuing the ultimate hunting round. These component bullets, manufactured by Federal, aim to provide handloaders with the same performance found in Federal’s Premium Terminal Ascent factory ammunition, allowing for tailored load development and optimization for specific rifles and hunting scenarios. Having spent years chasing the perfect all-around load for my .270 Winchester, I was eager to see if these bullets could deliver on their promise of exceptional ballistic coefficient and reliable expansion.

My quest began with the desire for a single, versatile load that could handle everything from whitetail deer at close range to elk at moderate distances. Existing options often required compromising between close-range expansion and long-range trajectory. Other bullets I’d considered included the Hornady ELD-X and the Nosler AccuBond Long Range, both known for their excellent BCs and terminal performance. I ultimately chose the Federal Terminal Ascent due to its advertised combination of a high BC and low-velocity expansion capability, facilitated by the Slipstream polymer tip.

Unboxing the bullets revealed a level of quality I’ve come to expect from Federal. The bullets were uniformly shaped, with clean lines and a smooth finish. They felt substantial, suggesting a dense core and robust construction. The Slipstream polymer tip looked precisely molded, and the AccuChannel grooves were visually consistent. While my initial reaction was excitement, I also held a healthy dose of skepticism, knowing that real-world performance is the only true measure.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy and chronographing the loads. I worked up a load using Hodgdon H4831sc, a powder known for its consistency in the .270 Winchester. My initial groups at 100 yards were promising, clustering around 0.75 inches. The chronograph revealed consistent velocities, indicating good load uniformity.

During the range session, the weather was sunny and mild, making for ideal shooting conditions. I did experience one minor issue: seating depth sensitivity. Very slight changes in the overall length (OAL) had a larger-than-expected impact on group size.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of load development and range testing, I felt confident enough to take the Federal Terminal Ascent bullets into the field. I used them on a late-season whitetail hunt in the mountains of Pennsylvania. After months of load development, these bullets have held up incredibly well. Even after many repeated firings, the accuracy has been consistently sub-MOA. Cleaning has also been a breeze with minimal copper fouling.

I harvested a mature buck at approximately 250 yards. The bullet performed flawlessly, exhibiting significant expansion and causing rapid incapacitation. The shot placement was ideal, resulting in a clean and ethical kill. The bullet’s performance on that hunt exceeded my expectations. I recovered the bullet from the off-side hide, revealing near-perfect weight retention and textbook expansion. This contrasted starkly with previous experiences using lighter, less robust bullets that sometimes fragmented upon impact.

Breaking Down the Features of Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet

Specifications

The Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. These include:

• Caliber: .277 Caliber. This is a common and versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of game.
• Bullet Weight: 136 grain. This weight strikes a balance between ballistic coefficient and terminal performance.
• Bullet Type: Terminal Ascent. Federal’s flagship hunting bullet known for all-range performance.
• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet. A reasonable quantity for load development and hunting preparation.
• Bonded Construction. This ensures deep penetration on close targets and minimizes fragmentation.
• Slipstream Polymer Tip. This initiates expansion at velocities 200 fps lower than comparable designs, extending the effective range.
• AccuChannel Groove Technology. This minimizes drag and improves accuracy.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s trajectory, wind resistance, and terminal performance on game. The high ballistic coefficient, combined with reliable expansion at lower velocities, allows for flatter trajectories and greater confidence in making ethical shots at extended ranges. The bonded construction guarantees deep penetration, even on larger or tougher game.

Performance & Functionality

The Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance. The bullet consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy when properly loaded. Its reliable expansion across a wide range of velocities makes it suitable for various hunting scenarios. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a premium hunting bullet.

A minor weakness is the seating depth sensitivity observed during load development. Finding the optimal seating depth requires careful experimentation and attention to detail. Overall, the Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet delivers on its promise of all-range performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet is designed with a focus on both ballistic efficiency and terminal effectiveness. The long, sleek profile contributes to its high ballistic coefficient and reduced drag. The weight is well distributed for stability in flight. The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a smooth finish.

The Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet requires no special tools or techniques for loading, making it user-friendly for reloaders of all skill levels. The precisely molded Slipstream polymer tip and uniform AccuChannel grooves inspire confidence in the bullet’s consistency and performance.

Durability & Maintenance

As a component bullet, durability isn’t directly applicable in the traditional sense. However, the bonded construction suggests that the bullet will hold together well upon impact. Cleaning my rifle after using these bullets has been a breeze.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a component bullet, the Federal Terminal Ascent does not come with accessories. However, it can be paired with various powders, primers, and cases to tailor the load to specific rifles and hunting needs. It is also compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment, including presses, dies, and powder measures. Many reloaders tweak seating depth to optimize accuracy in their firearm.

Pros and Cons of Federal Terminal Ascent Component Bullet .277 136 Grain Rifle Bullet