First Look: Federal Premium's Power-Shok Copper Rifle Ammunition

by
posted on August 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fed_power_shok_copper_bear_f.jpg

Just in time for hunting season, Federal Premium has introduced its new line of Power-Shok Copper centerfire rifle ammunition, an all-copper round that ships with an affordable price. I had a chance to use the .308 Win. version of the new ammo earlier this year, first at the range and then on a Manitoba black bear hunt. First impressions? It’s a quality ammo, with the power to take on nearly all North American big game. Here are five things you need to know.

1. It’s accurate.
At the range, it didn't take long for me to start punching the bullseye at 100 yards, and printing three and four shot groups at one inch and better, with Power-Shok Copper in .308 Win. My rifle was a Savage 11/111 BTH, a bolt-action with a 22-inch barrel and a wood laminate, thumbhole stock. For an optic, I used a Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40mm scope.

2. It’s hard-hitting.
On my hunt I was able to take a 300-plus-pound black bear. It was a hunt over bait, so the shot was close—25 yards or so. But the mature bruin was built like a tank, and the 150-grain copper bullet still smashed right through both shoulders. When we dressed him, I saw that the bullet had destroyed his lungs and caused massive bleeding inside; the bullet’s deep hollow-point helped create a heck of a large wound channel.

3. It provides another lead-free option.
The all-copper, no-lead construction of the bullet means it can be used in those parts of the country that are restricting lead hunting ammo. While we hunters are no fans of these restrictions, such regulations are increasing. The law is the law and more options like the new Power-Shok Copper can only help us to find the best ammunition for our game, and the best ammo to match up with our specific rifles.

4. It's reasonably priced.
A lot of the current all-copper rifle ammo is going for $40 to $50 for a box of 20. Power-Shok Copper? Suggested retail prices of $32.95 to $33.95 for a 20-round box.

5. Four calibers will initially be available.
Power-Shok Copper will be available in the following hunting loads: .243 Win. 85-grain copper; .270 Win. 130-grain copper; .308 Win. 150 grain and .30-06 Spring. 150-grain. Rumor has it more calibers will likely be added to the line in 2017 and beyond.

All the rounds feature Federal brass, and the all-new Catalyst lead-free primer.

“We believe Catalyst is the most state-of-art primer technology available,” said Federal’s Chief Chemist Joel Sandstrom. “The new primer is hot, consistent, and provides extremely reliable ignition. This results in a more complete and efficient burn of the propellant, which significantly reduces residue with each shot."

Latest

LEDE Thompson Center
LEDE Thompson Center

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.