Federal Premium Terminal Ascent Ammunition: The Ultimate Choice for Big Game Hunting in .280 Ackley Improved (155 gr)

For the serious hunter who demands unparalleled precision, ethical performance, and unwavering reliability in the field, Federal Premium Terminal Ascent ammunition stands as a benchmark. Specifically engineered for the potent .280 Ackley Improved cartridge, this 155-grain projectile redefines what's possible in hunting scenarios, from close-quarters encounters with robust game to challenging long-range shots where every detail matters. If you're searching for ammunition that consistently delivers devastating terminal ballistics while maintaining exceptional accuracy, the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent in .280 Ackley Improved is designed to exceed expectations.

What makes this ammunition the preferred choice for discerning hunters tackling medium to large game species like deer, elk, moose, and various bear? It's the meticulous fusion of advanced bullet technology with Federal Premium's legendary commitment to quality components and manufacturing. This isn't just another hunting round; it's a meticulously crafted system built to solve the most critical challenges hunters face: achieving consistent expansion across a broad velocity spectrum and ensuring deep penetration, regardless of shot distance or target resistance.

Unlocking Superior Performance: The Innovations Behind Terminal Ascent

At the core of the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent's formidable capabilities are several patented and proprietary technologies that work in concert to deliver a truly versatile and effective hunting bullet. Hunters often ask, "What kind of bullet provides both reliable expansion at long range and deep penetration up close?" The answer lies in the ingenious design of the Terminal Ascent.

The Patented Slipstream Polymer Tip: Initiating Expansion at Any Range

One of the most groundbreaking features of the Terminal Ascent bullet is its patented Slipstream polymer tip. Unlike traditional polymer tips, the Slipstream tip is engineered to achieve consistent and rapid expansion even at velocities as low as 1,800 feet per second (fps). This is approximately 200 fps lower than the expansion threshold of many comparable bullet designs on the market. Why is this critical?

• Extended Effective Range: For hunters taking ethical shots at extended distances, bullet velocity naturally drops. The Slipstream tip ensures that even when the bullet has shed significant speed downrange, it will still reliably expand upon impact, transferring maximum energy to the target. This dramatically extends the effective ethical range of your shots.
• Consistent Terminal Performance: Whether your shot is at 50 yards or 500 yards, the Slipstream tip's design promotes controlled, uniform expansion, creating a wide wound channel that leads to quicker, more humane incapacitation. This addresses the common concern of bullets failing to expand at long ranges or over-expanding at close range.
• Enhanced Ballistic Coefficient (BC): Beyond its expansion capabilities, the Slipstream tip's aerodynamic shape contributes significantly to the bullet's exceptionally high ballistic coefficient. A higher BC means less drag, flatter trajectories, and less wind drift, translating directly into superior accuracy and energy retention downrange.

Bonded Construction: Deep Penetration and Weight Retention

Beneath the Slipstream tip, the Terminal Ascent bullet utilizes a robust bonded construction. This means the copper jacket is chemically bonded to the lead core, creating a single, integrated unit. This bonding process delivers several crucial advantages for big game hunting:

• Exceptional Weight Retention: Upon impact, a bonded bullet is far less likely to fragment or shed its core, ensuring it retains a high percentage of its original weight. This weight retention is paramount for achieving deep, bone-crushing penetration, even through heavy hide, muscle, and bone.
• Reliable Pass-Through: For hunters, a clean pass-through shot is often desired, as it creates an exit wound that facilitates a blood trail, aiding in game recovery. The bonded construction of the Terminal Ascent significantly increases the likelihood of a pass-through, even on large, tough animals.
• Controlled Expansion Profile: While the Slipstream tip initiates expansion, the bonded core controls it, preventing over-expansion at high velocities. This balanced approach ensures that the bullet creates a devastating wound channel while maintaining enough integrity to reach vital organs.

AccuChannel Groove Technology: Precision and Minimal Drag

Accuracy is non-negotiable in hunting. Federal Premium addresses this with its AccuChannel groove technology. These precisely engineered grooves along the bullet's shank serve a dual purpose:

• Enhanced Accuracy: The grooves minimize the bearing surface between the bullet and the rifle's rifling, reducing friction and heat. This leads to more consistent bullet flight and improved accuracy. Hunters often ask, "How can I get tighter groups with my hunting rifle?" Optimized bullet designs like those with AccuChannel grooves play a significant role.
• Reduced Drag: By strategically designing the grooves, Federal Premium minimizes the aerodynamic drag on the bullet as it travels through the air. This further contributes to the bullet's high ballistic coefficient, ensuring it maintains its velocity and energy more efficiently over longer distances. The result is a flatter trajectory and less susceptibility to crosswinds.

In essence, the long, sleek profile of the Terminal Ascent, combined with the Slipstream tip and AccuChannel grooves, culminates in a bullet with an extremely high ballistic coefficient. This means less drop, less wind drift, and more energy delivered precisely where it counts, making it an ideal choice for hunters who value precision at any range.

The .280 Ackley Improved: A Cartridge of Distinction

The Federal Premium Terminal Ascent ammunition discussed here is specifically chambered for the .280 Ackley Improved. For those unfamiliar, the .280 Ackley Improved is a wildcat cartridge that has gained significant mainstream popularity due to its outstanding ballistic performance, essentially providing near-magnum performance in a non-magnum, standard-length action.

Based on the venerable .280 Remington, the Ackley Improved version features a sharper 40-degree shoulder and minimal body taper, which increases its case capacity. This allows for higher powder charges and, consequently, higher muzzle velocities compared to the standard .280 Remington, all while maintaining excellent barrel life and manageable recoil.

• Velocity and Energy: With a 155-grain Terminal Ascent bullet, this cartridge boasts a formidable muzzle velocity of 2930 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 2954 foot-pounds (ft lbs). These figures translate into a flat-shooting trajectory and ample energy to ethically take down a wide range of big game animals.
• Versatility: The .280 Ackley Improved strikes an excellent balance between speed, power, and shootability. It's often compared to cartridges like the .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and even some 7mm magnum cartridges, often outperforming the former in velocity and trajectory, and rivaling the latter in practical field performance without the added recoil or report.
• Ideal Game: Its characteristics make it superb for hunting deer, elk, moose, caribou, and black bears across varied terrains, from open plains to dense timber. Hunters seeking a cartridge that can handle diverse hunting conditions and provides ample power for reliable kills will find the .280 Ackley Improved an outstanding choice.

Federal Premium: A Legacy of Quality and Trust

The performance of any ammunition begins long before the bullet leaves the barrel. It starts with the components. Federal Premium has built a reputation for meticulous quality control and an unwavering commitment to using only the finest materials, ensuring every single round performs consistently. When hunters ask, "Which ammunition brand can I trust for my most important hunts?" Federal Premium consistently ranks among the top answers.

• Finest Primers: Federal Premium loads commence with primers subjected to rigorous, more frequent inspections. These checks go beyond standard industry practices, scrutinizing dimensional tolerances and charge weight to guarantee consistent, reliable ignition for every single shot. This consistency is paramount for accuracy and dependable performance in varying environmental conditions.
• Specially Formulated Propellants: The propellants used in Federal Premium ammunition are not off-the-shelf powders. They are specially formulated to meet Federal's stringent specifications, ensuring clean burning properties and consistent burn rates. These high-grade powders contribute to predictable velocities, reduced fouling, and excellent shot-to-shot consistency, which directly impacts a hunter's accuracy and confidence.
• Precision-Built Nickel-Plated Brass Casing: The casing is a critical, yet often overlooked, component. Federal Premium's centerfire loads feature precision-built cases crafted from nickel-plated brass. This nickel plating offers several distinct advantages:
  • Superior Corrosion Resistance: Nickel plating provides an exceptional barrier against corrosion, making the ammunition more durable and reliable, especially when stored for extended periods or exposed to harsh, humid, or wet hunting environments.
  • Sleek, Smooth Extraction: The slick surface of nickel-plated brass ensures exceptionally smooth feeding into the chamber and, more importantly, effortless extraction after firing. This is a crucial feature, especially in adverse conditions or rapid follow-up shot scenarios, preventing frustrating jams or sticky cases.
  • Enhanced Reliability: The combination of robust material and slick coating translates to greater overall reliability in your firearm's action, contributing to a seamless and confident shooting experience.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Confidence

The design and manufacturing excellence of Federal Premium Terminal Ascent ammunition directly translates into tangible benefits for hunters in the field.

• Ethical Harvesting: The primary goal of any hunter is a quick, humane, and ethical harvest. The Terminal Ascent's ability to combine controlled expansion with deep penetration ensures that the bullet transfers maximum energy to vital organs, leading to rapid incapacitation and minimizing the animal's suffering. This is a key concern for responsible hunters.
• Performance in Challenging Conditions: Whether you're hunting in freezing temperatures, pouring rain, or dry, dusty environments, the robust construction, corrosion-resistant nickel-plated brass, and consistent propellants ensure reliable function. Hunters often ask, "What ammunition performs reliably in extreme weather?" The Federal Premium Terminal Ascent is engineered for such demands.
• Confidence in Every Shot: Knowing that your ammunition is designed for optimal performance across a wide range of distances and on various game types instills immense confidence. This mental edge allows hunters to focus on shot placement, wind conditions, and other environmental factors, rather than worrying about their ammunition's capabilities. For the hunter who dedicates time and resources to their pursuit, having trust in their ammunition is invaluable.
• Versatility for Diverse Hunts: From whitetail deer in dense woodlands to elk in expansive mountainous terrain, the 155-grain Terminal Ascent in .280 Ackley Improved provides the versatility needed for a variety of big game hunting adventures. Its high ballistic coefficient makes it a strong contender for long-range engagements, while its bonded construction assures performance on close-in targets.

In conclusion, Federal Premium Terminal Ascent .280 Ackley Improved 155-grain ammunition (UPC: 604544659382) offers an unparalleled blend of advanced bullet technology, premium components, and rigorous quality control. It is meticulously designed for the serious big game hunter who demands precision, reliable terminal performance across varying distances, and the ultimate confidence in their equipment. This ammunition is not just a purchase; it's an investment in successful, ethical hunting expeditions.

Where to Acquire Your Federal Premium Terminal Ascent Ammunition

For hunters ready to equip themselves with this superior ammunition, Federal Premium Terminal Ascent in .280 Ackley Improved (155 gr, 20 rounds per box, 10 boxes per case, MPN: P280A1TA1) is available from reputable firearms and ammunition retailers. You can find this high-performance ammunition at DEGuns, ensuring you are well-prepared for your next big game hunting adventure.

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent .280 Ackley Improved (155 gr) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Federal
Series	Terminal Ascent
Model	Premium
Caliber	.280 Ackley Improved
Bullet Weight	155 grains
Bullet Type	Terminal Ascent
Muzzle Velocity	2930 fps
Muzzle Energy	2954 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Nickel-Plated Brass
Game Type	Big Game
Application	Hunting
SKU	121098
UPC	604544659382
MPN	P280A1TA1