Let’s Talk About Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off
The Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off represents a significant step forward in ammunition design for deer hunters and medium game enthusiasts. Manufactured by Federal, it’s engineered specifically to deliver maximum energy transfer and deep penetration on target. The .350 Legend cartridge has quickly gained popularity due to its straight-walled design, making it legal in many states with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges for hunting.
Living in a state with those restrictions, I needed to find an accurate and effective round for deer season that could ethically harvest game. I was looking for a round that would expand reliably and retain its weight for deep penetration. Several friends suggested the Federal Fusion line, praising its consistent performance.
My initial impression upon receiving the box was positive. The packaging was sturdy and the rounds looked well-made, exhibiting a consistent appearance. Compared to other .350 Legend offerings, the Federal Fusion’s reputation for consistent expansion and weight retention set it apart. I was choosing between this and the Winchester Deer Season XP, but the Fusion was consistently praised for slightly better terminal performance.
I was definitely excited to try these out. I hoped that they would perform as advertised, providing reliable and ethical kills during the upcoming hunting season. If they met my expectations, I knew I’d found my go-to .350 Legend hunting round.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Fusion rounds at my local shooting range, using a Ruger American Rifle chambered in .350 Legend. The weather was typical for late summer: humid with a slight breeze. The range offered distances up to 200 yards, allowing for a decent assessment of the round’s accuracy at hunting distances.
The rounds fed smoothly into the chamber and extracted flawlessly after each shot. Recoil was manageable, even from the relatively lightweight Ruger American, and the report wasn’t excessive. The consistency in performance was immediately apparent, building confidence.
I experienced no malfunctions during the first range session, which was reassuring. Everything performed as expected, which is always a good sign when testing new ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a full deer season, the Federal Fusion rounds have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve fired over 100 rounds with no issues, confirming its dependability. I have also taken the ammo into the field for hog and deer hunts.
There’s been no noticeable wear and tear on the brass or bullet tips from repeated handling and chambering. The brass cleans up easily after firing, which is an added bonus for reloading enthusiasts (though these are not designed for reloading, it’s still an indicator of quality brass). The Federal Fusion continues to impress me with its consistent performance.
Compared to other brands I’ve used in the past, the Federal Fusion definitely outperforms in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics. It’s become my preferred hunting round for the .350 Legend.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Federal. Federal is a well-known and trusted name in ammunition manufacturing, known for quality and consistency.
Caliber: .350 Legend. The .350 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge designed for hunting in states with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges.
Number of Rounds: 20. Standard box count for rifle ammunition.
Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP). Soft point bullets are designed for controlled expansion upon impact, maximizing energy transfer.
Bullet Weight: 160 grain. A good balance of weight and velocity for medium game such as deer and hogs.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is the standard material for cartridge cases, providing excellent reloadability (though this round is not designed to be reloaded) and consistent performance.
Muzzle Velocity: 2300 ft/s. The muzzle velocity is sufficient for flat shooting out to reasonable hunting distances.
Application: Medium Game. Designed specifically for ethical and effective kills on medium-sized game animals.
Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for ammunition.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are reliable and consistent.
G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.259. This ballistic coefficient indicates a moderate ability to resist wind drift and maintain velocity downrange.
Lead Free: No. This ammunition contains lead.
These specifications contribute to the overall effectiveness of the round by ensuring consistent performance, reliable expansion, and adequate penetration. The soft point design and optimized bullet weight make it a suitable choice for ethically harvesting deer and other medium-sized game.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its accuracy is impressive, consistently producing tight groupings at 100 yards. The soft point design ensures reliable expansion, and the bullet’s construction maintains sufficient weight retention for deep penetration.
Its strengths lie in its consistent accuracy, reliable expansion, and sufficient penetration. One minor area for improvement could be a slightly higher ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectory at longer ranges, although that is a minor quibble. The round meets and exceeds expectations for ethical deer hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The brass cases are consistently sized and finished, and the bullets are seated properly. The ammunition feels well-made and inspires confidence.
The ammunition is easy to load and shoot. There’s no noticeable difference in felt recoil compared to other .350 Legend offerings, and the cartridges feed smoothly in my Ruger American.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass cases are resistant to corrosion, and the bullets are well-protected by the packaging. No special maintenance is required beyond proper storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so there are no included accessories. However, consider optic choices and proper cleaning kits to maintain your rifle when using this ammo. The ammunition is compatible with any .350 Legend rifle designed to SAAMI specifications.
Pros and Cons of Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off
Pros
- Consistent Accuracy: Produces tight groupings at typical hunting distances.
- Reliable Expansion: Soft point design ensures consistent and effective terminal performance.
- Adequate Penetration: Sufficient weight retention for deep penetration on medium game.
- Trusted Brand: Federal is a reputable manufacturer known for quality ammunition.
- Optimized for .350 Legend: Specifically designed to maximize the .350 Legend’s potential.
Cons
- Not Lead-Free: May not be suitable for areas with lead restrictions.
- Ballistic Coefficient: Could be slightly higher for flatter trajectory at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off?
The Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain ammunition is perfect for deer hunters and hog hunters using a .350 Legend rifle, particularly in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. It’s also suitable for anyone seeking a reliable and accurate hunting round for medium game. Anyone new to hunting or looking to maximize their rifle’s potential would benefit.
Those who require lead-free ammunition due to regulations or personal preference should skip this product. Anyone primarily targeting varmints or small game would also be better served with a lighter, faster bullet. A quality rifle scope is a must-have accessory to fully utilize the accuracy of this ammunition.
Conclusion on Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off
The Federal Fusion SOFT POinT .350 Legend 160 Grain Soft Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition F350LFS1 $2.00 Off is an excellent choice for hunters seeking a reliable and effective round for medium game. Its consistent accuracy, reliable expansion, and adequate penetration make it a top performer in the .350 Legend caliber. The price is justified by its performance and the reputation of Federal ammunition.
I would definitely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a trustworthy hunting round for their .350 Legend rifle. If you’re seeking consistent performance and ethical kills, grab a box (or several) of Federal Fusion before your next hunting trip.