Federal PB264TA1 Terminal Ascent 6.5 mm .264 130 gr Terminal Ascent 50

Master Your Shot: Unleash Precision with Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5mm 130 Grain Component Bullets

For the dedicated handloader, the discerning hunter, and the precision shooting enthusiast, the quest for the perfect projectile is a journey of meticulous selection and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Imagine a bullet capable of delivering devastating terminal performance on close-range targets while simultaneously maintaining its integrity and achieving unparalleled accuracy at extreme distances. This is not a distant dream, but a tangible reality with the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5mm .264 130 Grain Component Bullets. Designed from the ground up to redefine all-range performance, these components offer a significant advantage for anyone looking to optimize their handloads for any scenario, from dense timber to wide-open plains.

Are you frequently asking yourself, "What are the best bullets for long-range hunting?" or "How can I achieve more consistent accuracy with my custom handloads?" Perhaps you're a competitive shooter striving for tighter groups, or a serious hunter seeking the utmost confidence in your equipment for ethical harvests. The answer often lies in the quality and innovative design of your bullet components. Federal Premium Terminal Ascent bullets are engineered to address these very challenges, providing a versatile solution that minimizes compromise and maximizes potential.

Why Choose Federal Premium Terminal Ascent for Your Reloading Bench?

Federal Premium stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability in the ammunition industry, and their Terminal Ascent line exemplifies this commitment to cutting-edge design. When you choose these 130-grain 6.5mm component bullets, you're not just getting a piece of lead and copper; you're investing in decades of ballistic expertise and advanced manufacturing. The core promise of Terminal Ascent is its "all-range performance," a critical distinction that sets it apart from many other projectiles. Traditional bullets often specialize: some are great up close, others excel at distance, but few offer truly consistent, reliable results across the entire spectrum of velocities and distances encountered in real-world shooting and hunting scenarios. Federal Premium has meticulously engineered these bullets to bridge that gap, ensuring predictable expansion and deep penetration whether your shot is at 50 yards or 500 yards and beyond.

Handloaders understand the immense value of starting with superior components. The bullet is, arguably, the most critical element in determining your handload's accuracy and terminal effectiveness. By selecting Federal Premium Terminal Ascent, you are building your custom ammunition on a foundation of proven technology, giving you the best possible chance to achieve your desired ballistics and performance outcomes. This translates directly into greater confidence in the field or on the firing line.

Unpacking the Advanced Technologies Behind Terminal Ascent Performance

The remarkable capabilities of the Terminal Ascent bullet are not by chance; they are the result of several patented and proprietary technologies working in concert. Each design element has been carefully considered to contribute to the bullet's overall performance, addressing common issues faced by shooters and hunters alike.

The Revolutionary Slipstream™ Polymer Tip: Consistent Expansion, Unparalleled Versatility

One of the most groundbreaking features of the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent is its patented Slipstream™ polymer tip. Unlike conventional polymer tips, the Slipstream™ design is engineered to initiate expansion at incredibly low velocities – as much as 200 feet per second lower than comparable designs. What does this mean for you? It means reliable, devastating expansion even at extreme long ranges where bullet velocities have dropped significantly. For hunters, this is paramount; it ensures ethical energy transfer and reliable internal damage, leading to cleaner, more humane harvests, whether the target is close or far. For target shooters, while terminal performance isn't the primary goal, the consistent aerodynamic profile of the tip contributes to enhanced ballistic consistency.

This innovative tip is not merely about expansion; it also plays a crucial role in the bullet's external ballistics. The sleek, aerodynamic shape of the Slipstream™ tip helps reduce air resistance, contributing to the bullet's exceptionally high ballistic coefficient (BC). This optimized external profile maintains velocity longer, minimizes bullet drop, and reduces wind drift, which are all critical factors for precision at extended distances.

Bonded Construction: Deep Penetration and Weight Retention

Beneath the advanced tip lies another core strength of the Terminal Ascent bullet: its bonded construction. The lead core is chemically bonded to the copper jacket, creating a single, inseparable unit. This bonding process is vital for ensuring deep penetration and high weight retention, especially when encountering tough hide, bone, or dense muscle on game animals. When a non-bonded bullet impacts a target, the jacket and core can separate, leading to fragmentation and reduced penetration. With Terminal Ascent's bonded construction, the bullet holds together, driving deeper into the vitals, even on close-range, high-velocity impacts where extreme forces are at play. This reliability at various impact velocities is a hallmark of truly versatile hunting ammunition.

For hunters, this means you can confidently engage a variety of game, from thin-skinned deer to larger, tougher animals like elk or moose, knowing that your bullet will perform as intended. The exceptional weight retention ensures that a significant portion of the bullet's mass is carried deep into the animal, maximizing energy transfer and creating a devastating wound channel for quick, ethical kills.

AccuChannel® Groove Technology: Enhanced Accuracy, Minimized Drag

Accuracy is paramount, and every detail matters. Federal's proprietary AccuChannel® groove technology, visible on the bullet's shank, is another testament to meticulous engineering. These strategically placed grooves serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they minimize the bearing surface of the bullet against the rifle's bore, which in turn reduces friction. Reduced friction translates to less heat buildup, less copper fouling in the barrel, and ultimately, improved barrel life and consistent velocities shot after shot. Secondly, these grooves are designed to reduce drag, contributing to the bullet's already impressive ballistic coefficient and maintaining its speed and stability downrange. This combination of reduced fouling and optimized aerodynamics results in a bullet that flies truer and maintains its accuracy even after multiple shots, a benefit deeply appreciated by both precision target shooters and hunters who demand consistency from their first shot to their last.

The AccuChannel® grooves also help stabilize the bullet as it transitions from the barrel to free flight, minimizing any potential yaw or wobble, and ensuring a predictable, stable trajectory. This attention to minute details is what separates good bullets from truly exceptional ones.

The Power of a High Ballistic Coefficient: Dominating Long Ranges

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a numerical representation of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. The higher the BC, the more efficiently the bullet travels through the air, retaining velocity, reducing drop, and minimizing wind drift. The Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5mm 130-grain bullet boasts an impressive G1 Ballistic Coefficient of .532. This high BC, combined with its long, sleek profile, makes it an outstanding choice for long-range applications. For those engaging targets beyond 300 yards, a high BC is not just an advantage; it's a necessity.

What does a .532 BC mean in practical terms? It means less bullet drop at extended ranges, requiring fewer adjustments to your scope. It means less susceptibility to crosswinds, which are a major factor in missed shots at distance. In essence, it means a flatter trajectory and more predictable external ballistics, giving you a greater margin for error and a higher probability of making precise impacts. For the long-range shooter or hunter, this translates directly to increased hit probability and confidence in challenging conditions.

Ideal Applications: Where Do Terminal Ascent Bullets Excel?

The versatility of the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5mm 130-grain component bullet allows it to excel in a multitude of scenarios. Its design philosophy emphasizes "all-range performance," making it suitable for diverse shooting and hunting applications.

For the Discerning Hunter

For hunters, the ability of a bullet to perform reliably at both close and extended ranges is invaluable. The Terminal Ascent's bonded construction ensures deep penetration and high weight retention for ethical, quick kills on close-range shots, even if the impact velocity is high. Simultaneously, the Slipstream™ tip and high BC guarantee reliable expansion and flat trajectories for precision at long distances. This makes it an ideal choice for:

• Deer Hunting: Whether you're in thick brush or open fields, the bullet's consistent performance ensures optimal energy transfer.
• Elk, Moose, and Bear: The robust construction and deep penetration capabilities are crucial for dispatching larger, tougher game.
• Mountain Hunting: Where shots can be highly varied in distance and often require precise long-range capability in challenging environments.
• Western Plains Hunting: Where long shots across open terrain are common, demanding a bullet that defies wind and drop.

For the Precision Target Shooter and Competitor

While terminal performance is not a primary concern for target shooters, the consistent external ballistics and accuracy offered by the Terminal Ascent are highly desirable. The low-drag design, high BC, and AccuChannel grooves contribute to:

• Exceptional Accuracy: Tighter groups, shot after shot, critical for competitive shooting.
• Predictable Trajectory: Minimized wind drift and drop reduce the variables you need to account for.
• Reduced Fouling: Less copper buildup in the barrel means more consistent performance over longer strings of fire and less frequent cleaning.
• Load Development: These bullets provide a stable platform for optimizing custom loads for your specific rifle, helping you unlock its true accuracy potential.

For the Dedicated Handloader

Handloading is an art and a science, offering unparalleled control over your ammunition's performance. Choosing premium components like the Terminal Ascent is the foundation of successful handloads:

1. Customization: Develop loads tailored precisely to your rifle's preferences and your specific shooting needs.
2. Consistency: Achieve velocity and accuracy consistency that often surpasses factory ammunition.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, handloading can be more economical, especially when consuming high volumes of ammunition for practice or competition.
4. Performance Optimization: Fine-tune every variable, from powder charge to seating depth, to extract the maximum precision and terminal performance from your chosen components.

The Versatility of the 6.5mm / .264 Caliber with 130 Grain Weight

The 6.5mm (.264 caliber) has exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming a favorite among hunters and precision shooters alike. Cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .260 Remington, 6.5 Grendel, and .264 Winchester Magnum have all demonstrated exceptional performance. The 130-grain weight is often considered a sweet spot for many of these cartridges, offering a superb balance of several key attributes:

• Velocity: Light enough to achieve respectable velocities, contributing to flatter trajectories.
• Energy: Heavy enough to carry significant energy downrange for effective terminal performance.
• Ballistic Coefficient: The 130-grain profile allows for excellent BCs, maximizing long-range efficiency.
• Recoil: Often provides a manageable recoil impulse compared to heavier projectiles, allowing for faster follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions.

When coupled with the advanced design of the Terminal Ascent, the 6.5mm 130-grain configuration becomes an incredibly potent combination. It’s an ideal choice for a wide array of medium-to-large game and for precision shooting scenarios where every milligram and micromillimeter matters.

Maximizing Your Reloading Potential with Federal Premium Components

To truly harness the power of Federal Premium Terminal Ascent component bullets, meticulous reloading practices are key. Here are some general considerations for the handloader:

• Consistency is King: Use high-quality brass, consistent powder charges (weighing each charge is ideal for precision loads), and uniform primer seating.
• Seating Depth: Experiment with seating depth (also known as Cartridge Overall Length, or COAL) to find the "sweet spot" for your rifle. The provided OAL of 1.42" is the bullet's length, not necessarily the ideal loaded length for your chamber.
• Powder Selection: Consult reliable reloading manuals for appropriate powder types and charge weights for your chosen 6.5mm cartridge and the 130-grain bullet weight.
• Case Preparation: Proper case sizing, trimming, and neck tension are vital for consistent bullet seating and reliable ignition.
• Safety First: Always follow published reloading data and start with minimum loads, working up incrementally while watching for pressure signs.

By starting with a premium component like the Federal Premium Terminal Ascent bullet, you are already halfway to crafting superior ammunition. The inherent quality and consistency of these bullets simplify the load development process, making it easier to achieve your desired performance benchmarks.

Why Precision Matters: The Terminal Ascent Advantage in Detail

In shooting and hunting, precision isn't just about hitting a target; it's about confidence, ethical considerations, and maximizing your efforts. The Federal Premium Terminal Ascent bullet line delivers precision through its comprehensive design:

• Confidence in Any Condition: Knowing your bullet will expand reliably at low velocities means you don't have to second-guess your shot placement or distance.
• Ethical Hunting: The combination of deep penetration, high weight retention, and reliable expansion ensures rapid, humane harvests, minimizing suffering.
• Reduced Environmental Factors: The high BC and AccuChannel grooves significantly reduce the impact of wind and gravity on your bullet's flight path, making long-range shots more achievable.
• Cost-Effectiveness (Long Term): While premium components have an initial cost, the improved accuracy often means fewer shots to achieve your goal, whether it's a tight group or a successful hunt. Furthermore, less barrel fouling can reduce cleaning time and potentially extend barrel life.

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent component bullets represent a pinnacle of modern bullet design, offering a singular solution for those who demand the best in all-range performance from their handloads. They are an investment in precision, versatility, and the ultimate shooting experience.

Your Source for Premium Reloading Components

Acquiring high-quality reloading components is the first step toward crafting superior ammunition. Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5mm .264 130 Grain component bullets, with their 50-count boxes, provide ample supply for serious load development and extensive shooting. You can find these exceptional components readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns.com, where a wide selection of reloading supplies and shooting accessories are offered to meet the needs of every handloader, hunter, and sport shooter. Choosing a reputable source ensures you receive genuine, high-quality products that will contribute to your reloading success.

Technical Specifications and Bullet Details