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Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP

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Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP

At a Glance

Official Specs

Note: Federal does not publish muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, or ballistic coefficient data on the product listing for this specific Power-Shok load. The ballistics table below uses an industry-standard estimated muzzle velocity of 2,960 fps, which is a widely referenced figure for 180 gr .300 Win Mag factory loads from this class. All calculated values are clearly labeled. Verified manufacturer data will be updated when available.

Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP (Box)

$53.99

in stock

Ballistics Table

Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.Assumed muzzle velocity: ~2,960 fps (industry reference for 180 gr .300 Win Mag). Assumed G1 BC: ~0.474 (typical for a 180 gr cup-and-core soft point). Sight height: 1.5" above bore. Zero: 200 yd.

Key takeaway: With a 200-yard zero, the Federal Power-Shok 180 gr stays within roughly ±3 inches of point of aim out to about 225 yards, making it a practical hold for most North American big game hunting situations without holdover adjustment. Energy remains above 1,500 ft-lbs through 600 yards, though the soft point bullet’s terminal performance at extended range depends heavily on adequate impact velocity for reliable expansion — a factor to consider beyond 400 yards. For most hunters engaging deer, elk, or black bear inside 350 yards, this load delivers more than adequate retained energy. Wind drift, not covered here, becomes a meaningful factor past 400 yards with this moderate BC projectile.

Best Uses

Good fit:

• Whitetail and mule deer hunting at ranges from close timber to 350 yards
• Elk and black bear hunting where a traditional cup-and-core soft point provides deep penetration and controlled expansion
• Hunters seeking a budget-conscious option for a full-power .300 Win Mag without stepping down in bullet weight
• Practice and pre-season zeroing sessions where premium ammunition costs are a concern but full-power .300 Win Mag recoil simulation is needed
• Hunters who reload and want quality brass for future use after firing

Not the right tool for:

• Long-range hunting situations beyond 400 yards where a higher ballistic coefficient projectile would meaningfully reduce wind drift and drop
• Jurisdictions with lead-free ammunition requirements — this load uses a traditional lead-core bullet and is not legal for hunting in California or other restricted areas
• Hunters targeting thin-skinned, fast-moving game at close range where a controlled-expansion or bonded bullet would reduce the risk of over-expansion and shallow penetration
• Competitive precision rifle shooting where published, verified BC data is required for accurate firing solutions

Reliability Notes

No structured submissions yet.

Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, the Federal Power-Shok line is described as using high-quality brass cases and consistent primers suited to reliable ignition across a range of temperatures. The soft point bullet design is a traditional cup-and-core construction, a format with decades of documented field use on medium and large North American game. Federal positions this line as a value-tier offering within its hunting ammunition portfolio, and open-source user accounts generally describe acceptable accuracy from hunting-weight barrels at ranges consistent with typical field use. No specific accuracy guarantees or independent lab data are available for this load from manufacturer sources. All performance claims here reflect manufacturer marketing language and general category knowledge, not structured ballistic testing.

Competitors

Price Reality

• Typical retail range: $49–$60 per 20-round box depending on retailer and market conditions; case pricing (typically 200 rounds) is not widely standardized for this line
• Per-round cost: approximately $2.50–$3.00 at typical market prices, with the listed price of $53.99 placing it at $2.70/round
• Compared to Winchester Super-X 180 gr Power-Point: often $2–$5 cheaper per box, making it the closest budget rival
• Compared to Remington Core-Lokt 180 gr: similar pricing tier; Core-Lokt is frequently found at or slightly below Power-Shok pricing during sales
• Compared to Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or Nosler Trophy Grade: Power-Shok runs roughly $25–$40 less per box, reflecting the difference between traditional cup-and-core and premium bonded construction
• Fair price benchmark: $55 or less per box represents fair market value for this load at current conditions; prices above $60 per box for standard in-stock inventory should be considered elevated

Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.

Where to Buy

Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP (Box)

Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP ammunition delivers outstanding accuracy and reliable stopping power, making it an ideal choice for hunters targeting medium and big game. Experience exceptional value without sacrificing performance with this high-quality lead-core hunting ammunition.

$53.99 at Ammunitiondepot.com

Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.

FAQ

Does the Federal Power-Shok 180 gr soft point expand reliably on elk at longer ranges?The Power-Shok soft point relies on impact velocity to initiate and sustain expansion — as with all traditional cup-and-core designs, expansion becomes less predictable as velocity drops below approximately 1,800–2,000 fps at the target. At a 200-yard zero with an estimated muzzle velocity of 2,960 fps, that threshold is not typically reached until well past 600 yards under standard conditions. For practical elk hunting inside 400 yards, impact velocity should be sufficient for reliable expansion. Hunters planning shots beyond that range should consider a bonded or controlled-expansion bullet that performs more consistently at lower impact velocities.

How does the Power-Shok 180 gr compare to the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip in the same caliber?Both loads are offered by Federal in 300 Win Mag at 180 grains, but they represent different tiers of construction and intended use. The Power-Shok uses a traditional cup-and-core soft point, which is less expensive to manufacture and performs well at moderate ranges. The Trophy Bonded Tip uses a chemically bonded core that resists jacket-core separation on heavy bone and at high impact velocities, making it better suited for close-range shots on large game or angled shots through the shoulder. The price difference — roughly $25–$40 per box — reflects that engineering difference. For most deer and elk hunting at typical field ranges, the Power-Shok is a practical and cost-effective choice.

Is this ammunition legal for deer hunting in California?No. California requires the use of lead-free ammunition for all hunting statewide. The Federal Power-Shok 180 gr soft point uses a traditional lead-core bullet and is not compliant with California’s lead ammunition regulations. Hunters in California should consider alternatives such as the Barnes VOR-TX 300 Win Mag TTSX or Federal’s own Trophy Copper line, both of which use all-copper or lead-free projectiles. Always verify current state regulations before selecting hunting ammunition.

What is the effective hunting range of this load on whitetail deer?The Federal Power-Shok 180 gr carries more than 1,500 ft-lbs of energy well past 600 yards under estimated ballistic conditions, which exceeds the commonly cited minimum for ethical whitetail deer harvests. However, effective hunting range is not defined by energy alone — bullet expansion reliability, wind drift, shooter capability, and ethical shot placement all factor in. For most hunters using this load in practical field conditions, 300–350 yards represents a realistic maximum range where trajectory, retained velocity for expansion, and shooter accuracy converge. At closer ranges typical of woodland and brush hunting, this load is more than adequate.

Can the brass from Federal Power-Shok be reloaded?Yes. Federal Power-Shok ammunition is loaded in brass cases with Boxer primers, which are the standard for reloadable factory ammunition. The case can be resized, reprimed, and reloaded using standard .300 Win Mag reloading equipment. However, this page covers factory ammunition only and does not provide reloading data, charge weights, or handload specifications. Consult a current reloading manual from a reputable publisher for load development guidance specific to this case and bullet weight.

Federal 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Power-Shok SP (Box)

$53.99

in stock