Fusion, a division of ATK, introduced a new deer hunting load in 20-gauge. The new cartridge is a 3/4 ounce slug in a 2 3/4″ shell. At the muzzle, the slug is running 1600 fps for 1864 foot-pounds of energy, making this a very potent load for the 20-gauge hunters.
The 20 gauge Fusion features:
- Copper jacket is electro-chemically applied to the core through a sophisticated and
refined molecular application technique;
- Formed under consistent pressure for complete dimensional control and slug integrity;
- Perfectly uniform jacket;
- Skived, pre-programmed nose provides consistent expansion; and
- Maximum weight retention for deep penetration.
With more than 1800 ft-lbs of energy, this slug will penetrate deep and deliver a knock-out blow to humanely kill the animal. Â The benefit to the hunter is this shell will give you less of a pounding than a 12 gauge load. Â This load is a good 50-100 yard shell depending on your gun and abilities.
I would expect that this load would also make a good self-defense round. Â What will take a deer, will also put an armed attacker down as well. Â Just make sure you hit your target, because that 3/4 ounce slug will pop straight through a sheetrock wall like a hot knife through butter.
Fusion branded ammo is made by Federal and is situated to be very good quality ammunition but at reasonable prices. Â The Fusion line is not a “budget” or “cheap” line of ammo. Â Instead, it is priced to be a step below the top premium rounds, but still above the cheap lines like American Eagle. Â The Fusion line will provide very good performance, and will likely fill the needs of all but the pickiest of hunters.
Update
Federal Premium eliminated the 3/4 oz slug from the Fusion line of 20 gauge ammo. A similar load can still be had in the Federal PowerShok line, but not in the Fusion line.
As a replacement, Federal now offers a pair of 7/8 ounce Fusion Sabot Slugs: one as a 2 3/4″ shell, and the other as a 3″ shell. They run 1450 fps and 1550 fps respectively. Both are suitable for taking deer to the 100-125 yard range.
