When embarking on critical hunting expeditions, especially for large, resilient game, the choice of ammunition is paramount. Hunters frequently ask, "What is the most reliable ammunition for ethical big game harvests at varying distances?" and "How can I ensure my shot delivers both deep penetration and consistent expansion, even when game is far off?" The answer for many seasoned marksmen lies in specialized loads engineered for peak performance, such as the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent in 300 WSM, featuring a 200-grain projectile. This ammunition is meticulously crafted to address the precise demands of serious hunters who value accuracy, terminal ballistics, and unwavering reliability.

Understanding the Core of Federal Premium Ammunition

What makes Federal Premium stand out in a competitive market? It begins with a foundational commitment to quality at every stage of manufacturing. Federal’s dedication to excellence ensures that each component—from primer to propellant to casing—meets stringent specifications, surpassing industry norms.

• Precision Primers: The ignition system of any cartridge is its heartbeat. Federal Premium loads commence with the finest primers, subjected to an intense regime of quality control. This includes more frequent inspections for precise dimensional tolerances and accurate charge weight. This rigorous process guarantees consistent, reliable ignition for every single shot, a critical factor when a successful hunt hinges on flawless performance. This attention to detail means a hunter can trust their ammunition to fire consistently, regardless of environmental conditions.
• Optimized Propellants: Powering the projectile is a meticulously selected propellant, specially formulated to meet Federal's exacting specifications. These clean-burning powders represent the highest grades available, ensuring not only consistency in ballistic performance but also minimizing residue build-up in your firearm. This clean-burning characteristic contributes to the longevity of your rifle and reduces the frequency of cleaning required, an often-overlooked benefit for hunters in the field. The reliability of these propellants means consistent velocities and predictable trajectories, shot after shot, which translates directly to improved accuracy at extended ranges.
• Superior Casing Material: The casing, often taken for granted, plays a vital role in both performance and firearm function. Most centerfire Federal Premium loads feature precision-built cases crafted from nickel-plated brass. This choice of material offers distinct advantages. Firstly, nickel plating provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, safeguarding the ammunition against the elements, whether stored for extended periods or exposed to damp conditions during a hunt. Secondly, the sleek, smooth surface of nickel-plated brass significantly aids in effortless feeding and extraction from the firearm’s chamber, even under the most extreme and challenging field conditions. This ensures rapid follow-up shots if needed and minimizes the risk of malfunctions, giving hunters peace of mind.

The Ingenuity of the Terminal Ascent Bullet

The heart of the Federal Premium 300 WSM 200-grain offering is the Terminal Ascent bullet itself. This projectile represents a culmination of advanced ballistic engineering, designed to go beyond traditional expectations and deliver unparalleled terminal performance. Hunters often inquire, "How can a single bullet perform effectively across a wide range of distances and impact velocities?" The Terminal Ascent bullet answers this question with its innovative, patented design.

• Patented Slipstream Polymer Tip: This is a revolutionary feature that redefines expansion reliability. Unlike conventional designs, the Slipstream polymer tip initiates aggressive expansion at velocities as low as 1,300 feet per second (fps). This is remarkably lower than many comparable hunting designs that require impact velocities upwards of 1,800-2,000 fps to achieve reliable expansion. What does this mean for the hunter? It significantly extends the effective range of the bullet, ensuring devastating energy transfer and tissue damage even on distant targets where bullet velocity has diminished. This unique tip design ensures that the bullet opens up reliably, regardless of whether the shot is taken at close quarters or across vast plains.
• Bonded Construction for Deep Penetration: Beneath the polymer tip, the Terminal Ascent bullet employs a sophisticated bonded construction. This means the lead core is molecularly fused to the copper jacket. This bonding process ensures maximum weight retention upon impact, preventing core-jacket separation even when striking heavy bone or dense tissue. The result is exceptionally deep penetration, a critical factor for reaching vital organs on large, tough-skinned game like elk, moose, or large bears. Hunters prioritizing a clean, ethical harvest understand that deep penetration is as crucial as expansion.
• AccuChannel Groove Technology: Accuracy is the bedrock of ethical hunting, and the Terminal Ascent bullet incorporates AccuChannel groove technology to enhance it. This precisely engineered groove encircling the bullet’s shank serves a dual purpose: it improves inherent accuracy by stabilizing the bullet in flight and simultaneously minimizes drag. Reduced drag means the bullet retains more velocity downrange, translating to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, both essential for precise shot placement at extended distances.
• Long, Sleek Profile and High Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The Terminal Ascent bullet boasts a long, sleek profile, which is not merely aesthetic but a functional design choice. This aerodynamic shape contributes to an extremely high ballistic coefficient (BC). A high BC indicates that the bullet is very efficient at overcoming air resistance, maintaining its velocity and energy more effectively over long distances. For hunters engaging targets at extended ranges, a high BC bullet translates to less bullet drop and wind deflection, simplifying trajectory calculations and increasing the probability of a first-shot hit. This precision at range instills greater confidence in the hunter.

The Power of the 300 WSM Caliber with 200-Grain Terminal Ascent

The 300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a highly regarded cartridge known for delivering magnum performance in a short-action rifle. When paired with the 200-grain Federal Premium Terminal Ascent bullet, it creates a formidable combination for a wide array of big game.

Hunters often ask, "Is the 300 WSM a good caliber for all big game, and what bullet weight is best?" The 200-grain Terminal Ascent load is particularly well-suited for a broad spectrum of large North American and international game. Its initial muzzle velocity of 2810 feet per second and impressive muzzle energy of 3506 foot-pounds ensure that the projectile carries significant power downrange.

• Ideal Game Applications: This specific loading excels when hunting species such as:
  • Elk: The bonded construction and deep penetration are critical for reaching vitals on these large, muscular animals.
  • Moose: Similar to elk, moose require a bullet that can punch through heavy bone and thick hide.
  • Large Bear Species (Grizzly, Brown Bear): The Terminal Ascent’s reliable expansion and penetration provide the necessary stopping power and assurance for these formidable animals.
  • African Plains Game: Its flat trajectory and potent terminal performance make it an excellent choice for species like Kudu, Oryx, and Wildebeest, often engaged at varying distances.
  • Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer (at longer ranges): While potentially overkill at close range for deer, its precision and extended-range capabilities make it an excellent choice for long shots across open country.

The synergy between the 300 WSM’s inherent power and the Terminal Ascent’s advanced ballistic properties means hunters can confidently pursue their quarry, knowing their ammunition is engineered for success across diverse hunting scenarios and distances.

Why Trust Federal Premium for Your Next Hunt?

The decision of what ammunition to carry into the field is a profound one, impacting not only the success of the hunt but also the ethical responsibility towards the animal. Federal Premium stands as a beacon of trust for several reasons:

• Unwavering Consistency: Every box of Federal Premium ammunition, including the 300 WSM Terminal Ascent, is manufactured with an obsessive commitment to consistency. This means each round performs predictably, minimizing variables that could affect shot placement.
• Proven Performance: The technologies embedded in the Terminal Ascent bullet, such as the Slipstream tip and bonded core, are not just marketing claims; they are features proven to deliver reliable expansion and penetration in real-world hunting conditions.
• Confidence in the Field: Knowing you are using ammunition that adheres to the highest standards, engineered for both accuracy and terminal effectiveness, provides an unparalleled level of confidence. This confidence allows the hunter to focus on the shot, not on the limitations of their equipment.
• Investment in Success: While premium ammunition may represent a higher initial cost, the value it brings in terms of reliability, performance, and the increased likelihood of a clean, ethical harvest far outweighs the alternative. It’s an investment in the success and integrity of your hunting experience.

For hunters asking, "What hunting ammunition offers superior performance and reliability across varied ranges for large game?" the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 300 WSM 200 gr presents a compelling answer. This ammunition is designed to provide precision, power, and the ethical advantage of predictable terminal ballistics, ensuring that when the moment of truth arrives, your shot delivers beyond expectation. Each box contains 20 rounds, with 10 boxes per case, making it convenient for stocking up for extended hunting seasons or precision shooting practice.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Federal
Series	Terminal Ascent
Caliber	300 WSM
Bullet Type	Terminal Ascent
Bullet Weight	200 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2810 fps
Muzzle Energy	3506 ft lbs
Application	Hunting
Game Type	Big Game
Casing Material	Nickel-Plated Brass
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	121112
UPC	604544659412
MPN	P300WSMTA1