Let’s Talk About **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition F460FS1 17% Off is not your everyday plinking round. It’s a specialized cartridge designed specifically for taking down medium game with a handgun. Manufactured by Federal, this ammunition promises controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it a serious contender for hunters looking for maximum stopping power in a handgun platform.
My journey to finding this specific ammunition began with a recurring issue. I’ve guided hunts in bear country for years, and while a rifle is usually the primary weapon, a powerful handgun is crucial for backup. I needed a round that could reliably and ethically take down a bear in a worst-case scenario, offering both accuracy and significant terminal ballistics.
Unboxing the Federal Fusion, the first thing that struck me was the clean, consistent appearance of the brass casings and the precisely formed soft-point bullets. The rounds felt substantial in my hand, promising a hefty recoil but also the delivery of significant energy downrange. The build quality immediately inspires confidence.
Compared to other .460 S&W Magnum rounds I’ve used, such as Hornady’s XTP Mag or Buffalo Bore’s hard cast loads, the Federal Fusion stands out due to its Fusion process – an electro-chemical bonding of the copper jacket to the lead core. This method, typically found in rifle ammunition, promises better weight retention and controlled expansion, which I hoped would translate to superior performance on game. I chose this round over others, hoping for a balance of manageable recoil and devastating terminal performance, something I haven’t always found in other .460 S&W options.
My first impression was one of cautious excitement. The promise of rifle-like performance in a handgun cartridge is intriguing, but the real test would be at the range and, ultimately, in the field. If this ammunition could deliver on its claims, it could become an indispensable tool for any serious handgun hunter.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition took place at a controlled shooting range environment. I used my Smith & Wesson Performance Center .460 XVR with a 8.38-inch barrel, a platform known for its accuracy and ability to tame the .460 S&W Magnum’s fierce recoil. The weather was typical for late spring in Montana: cool and slightly breezy.
The recoil was, as expected, significant, but surprisingly manageable. It felt like a firm push rather than a sharp snap, a characteristic I attribute to the bullet’s weight and the efficient energy transfer. I found it manageable, allowing me to maintain control for follow-up shots, a critical factor in a hunting situation.
Using a rest at 50 yards, I fired a five-shot group that measured approximately 2 inches. This level of accuracy is more than acceptable for hunting purposes, indicating that the ammunition is well-suited for taking ethical shots at medium-sized game within reasonable handgun ranges. There were no malfunctions, misfires, or any other issues during the initial testing phase.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a whitetail deer hunt, the Federal Fusion ammunition has continued to impress. The ammunition has consistently delivered reliable performance. There has been no noticeable degradation in accuracy or performance over time.
I’ve carried this ammunition in a variety of conditions, from dry desert environments to damp, cold mountain forests. The brass casings have held up well, showing no signs of corrosion or damage despite exposure to the elements. I have not experienced any issues with feeding or extraction in my revolver.
The bullet’s performance on game was the ultimate test. During the whitetail hunt, a single shot at 75 yards resulted in a clean, ethical kill. The bullet performed as advertised, delivering significant terminal damage and ensuring a quick, humane end to the hunt. This experience solidified my confidence in the Federal Fusion as a reliable and effective hunting round.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
Caliber: .460 S&W Magnum. This is a powerful cartridge designed for hunting large game at handgun ranges.
Bullet Weight: 260 grain. This is a relatively light bullet for the .460 S&W Magnum, which translates into higher velocity and flatter trajectory, yet still delivers substantial energy on target.
Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP). The soft point design facilitates controlled expansion upon impact, creating a large wound channel for rapid energy transfer and quick kills.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is the industry standard for cartridge cases due to its excellent malleability, reloadability, and resistance to corrosion.
Muzzle Velocity: 1600 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy transfer at longer ranges.
Muzzle Energy: 1478 ft-lbs. This high energy level ensures sufficient penetration and expansion for ethically harvesting medium-sized game.
Application: Medium Game. Specifically designed for deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game animals.
Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for ammunition.
Number of Rounds: 20. A typical quantity for hunting ammunition.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
Lead Free: No. This ammunition contains lead.
The combination of high velocity, substantial bullet weight, and the Fusion bonding process results in a cartridge optimized for hunting medium game with a handgun. The brass casings ensure reliable feeding and extraction, while the soft point bullet guarantees controlled expansion and deep penetration, maximizing the round’s terminal effectiveness.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its accuracy is more than adequate for hunting, grouping consistently within 2 inches at 50 yards from a rest. The reliable ignition and consistent velocities contribute to this accuracy.
The ammunition’s primary strength lies in its terminal performance. The Fusion bonding process ensures that the bullet retains weight upon impact, preventing fragmentation and allowing for deep penetration. This results in a larger wound channel and more effective energy transfer, increasing the likelihood of a quick, ethical kill.
However, the significant recoil can be a challenge for some shooters. It is important to be proficient with a .460 S&W Magnum handgun before using this ammunition for hunting. While the Federal Fusion performs as advertised, some might find other loads more comfortable to shoot, particularly for extended range sessions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Federal Fusion’s design focuses on functionality and performance rather than aesthetic appeal. The construction is robust and reliable, featuring high-quality brass casings and a precisely formed soft point bullet. The weight of the ammunition is noticeable, contributing to the significant recoil.
The ammunition is user-friendly in the sense that it functions reliably in firearms chambered for .460 S&W Magnum. However, the cartridge’s power necessitates a strong grip and proper shooting technique to maintain control and accuracy. New or inexperienced shooters might encounter a steep learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Fusion ammunition is designed to withstand typical storage and handling conditions. The brass casings resist corrosion, and the bullet’s construction prevents damage during loading and firing. With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years without any degradation in performance.
The ammunition itself requires no maintenance. However, it is important to clean the firearm after use to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Regular cleaning will ensure reliable function and longevity of the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Fusion 460 S&W is not customizable in itself. However, the handgun it is used with can be customized. This includes options for different grips, sights, and even barrel lengths to fine-tune the handgun’s performance and handling characteristics.
Many popular accessories are compatible with firearms chambered in .460 S&W Magnum. These include aftermarket grips from companies like Hogue and Pachmayr, which can improve comfort and control. Different sighting systems, such as red dot sights or magnified scopes, can enhance accuracy at longer ranges.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent terminal performance: The Fusion bonding ensures weight retention and deep penetration for ethical kills.
Cons
- Significant recoil: Can be challenging for inexperienced shooters.
Good accuracy: Consistently groups within 2 inches at 50 yards from a rest.
Reliable ignition: The centerfire primers provide consistent and dependable performance.
High velocity: The 1600 ft/s muzzle velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory.
Optimized for hunting medium game: Specifically designed for deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals.
Not lead-free: Contains lead, which may be a concern for some users.
Who Should Buy **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for experienced handgun hunters who are seeking a reliable and effective cartridge for taking medium-sized game. It is also well-suited for individuals who require a powerful handgun for defense against dangerous animals in the backcountry. Those who prioritize ethical kills and are willing to practice extensively to master the recoil will benefit most from the Federal Fusion.
Those who are new to handguns or recoil-sensitive should skip this product. Novice shooters should start with lighter calibers before attempting to master the .460 S&W Magnum. This ammunition is also not ideal for casual target shooting due to its high cost and significant recoil.
A must-have accessory for anyone using this ammunition is a high-quality holster that provides secure retention and easy access. Hearing protection is also essential due to the loud report of the .460 S&W Magnum. Some shooters may also benefit from using shooting gloves to improve grip and reduce felt recoil.
Conclusion on **Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Federal Fusion 460 S&W 260 Grain Soft Point Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition F460FS1 17% Off is a specialized cartridge that delivers on its promise of controlled expansion, deep penetration, and reliable performance. It’s a powerful tool for experienced handgun hunters seeking to ethically harvest medium game. The Fusion bonding process sets it apart from other .460 S&W Magnum options, offering exceptional weight retention and terminal effectiveness.
The price is justified for those who need the performance this ammunition offers. This round bridges the gap between handgun and rifle ballistics, making it a valuable asset for serious hunters.
I would personally recommend the Federal Fusion to any experienced handgun hunter who is confident in their ability to handle the .460 S&W Magnum’s recoil. It’s a reliable and effective round that delivers devastating terminal performance. If you’re looking for a handgun cartridge that can take down medium game with authority, the Federal Fusion is definitely worth considering. Get yours today and experience the Fusion difference!