Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Federal Fusion 308 Winchester 165 grain bonded round nose ammunition delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration on whitetail, mule deer, hogs, and black bear inside 300 yards. The electrochemical bonding process fuses the lead core to the copper jacket at the molecular level, preventing the core/jacket separation that causes erratic wound channels and reduced mass retention. Running 2700 fps from a 24-inch barrel, this load produces 2670 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—enough to anchor shoulder shots on 200-pound deer without excessive meat damage. Federal designs the Fusion line for deer-sized game where you need predictable terminal performance without paying for bonded-core премиум pricing. Boxer-primed brass cases reload cleanly; non-corrosive primers stay live through temperature swings. Federal Ammunition manufactures this load in Anoka, Minnesota.
Built for the Box
Federal engineers the Fusion bonded bullet with a pressure-formed core and skived nose cavity that controls expansion across impact velocities from 1800 to 3000 fps. The slight nose dimple acts as an expansion initiator, radiating hydraulic shock through tissue while the bonded construction keeps the bullet together for 85-95% weight retention. Round nose profile feeds reliably in tube magazines and semi-auto platforms; boat tail base improves BC to 0.393 (G1) for flatter trajectories past 200 yards. Brass cases carry a 70,000-psi max pressure rating per SAAMI spec, headstamped “Federal 308 Win.” Each 20-round box ships in a flip-top polymer tray; lot numbers stamped on box end for tracking. For hunters running bolt rifles, lever guns, or AR-10 platforms where medium game from 100 to 300 yards is the mission, this Federal Fusion 165gr load balances expansion, penetration, and affordability. See our full Federal 308 Ammo selection for additional grain weights and bullet profiles.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 308 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 165 grains |
| Bullet type | Bonded round nose |
| Muzzle velocity | 2700 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2670 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Federal Ammunition |
This load runs clean in gas guns and bolt rifles; expect sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards from a quality rifle with a 1:10 or faster twist. Zero at 200 yards puts you 2 inches high at 100, 8 inches low at 300—a practical hunting trajectory for shots inside typical whitetail range.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal firearms safety rules: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you don’t intend to destroy, finger off the trigger until sights are on target, know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current federal, state, and local laws before purchasing ammunition — some jurisdictions restrict certain calibers, bullet types, or require purchaser permits.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Prop 65). Wash hands after handling; avoid inhaling dust from bullets or fired cases.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.