Test results: Fierce’s Carbon Rogue

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On the range, Federal Premium 130-grain Terminal Ascent shattered the Carbon Rogue’s 0.750-inch accuracy guarantee with a one-hole 0.210 group. That’s simply outstanding performance from any ammo, let alone a hunting round. The overall average grouping for factory ammo was 0.702, with 0.764 for handloads and 0.838 for factory match.

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As for my recommended hunting loads for the Carbon Rogue, Federal Terminal Ascent 130-grain would top my list for medium-sized game because of its outstanding accuracy and downrange performance. It’s followed closely by a Nosler AccuBond 140-grain bullet handloaded with Reloder 22 powder. As for larger game, both Nosler Trophy Grade 142-grain AccuBond Long Range and Hornady Precision Hunter 143 grain ELD-X provided excellent sub-0.75 accuracy, with plenty of long-range potential.

For more on the Carbon Rogue, see Outdoor Canada’s January/February 2024 issue or click “Rifle Review: Fierce’s Carbon Rogue.”

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FACTORY AMMUNITION

BRAND BULLET ADVERTISED VELOCICTY (FPS) GROUP SIZE
Hornady Precision Hunter 143-grain ELD-X 2960 .690
Hornady Outfitter 130-grain CX 2975 .880
Federal Premium 130-grain Terminal Ascent 3000 .210
Nosler Trophy Grade 142-grain AccuBond Long Range 2900 .543
Nosler 140-grain Ballistic Tip 2900 .694
Barnes VOR-TX 130-grain TSX BT 3010 .990
Norma Whitetail 140-grain BTHP 2657 .773

 FACTORY MATCH

BRAND BULLET ADVERTISED VELOCICTY (FPS) GROUP SIZE
Hornady Match 147-grain ELD Match 2910 .838

HANDLOADS

Bullet Powder Case Manual Velocity*

(fps)

Group Size

(inches)

Hornady 143-grain ELD-X H1000 Hornady 2939 .590
Hornady140-grain InterLock H1000 Hornady 2900 1.115
Hornady 143-grain ELD-X IMR7977 Hornady 2930 .738
Hornady 140-grain SST US869 Hornady 2915 .760
Nosler 140-grain AccuBond Reloader 22 Hornady 2980 .558
Barnes 127-grain LRX H1000 Hornady 3010 1.172
Berger VLD Hunting 140-grain IMR7977 Hornady 2940 .415

 *Note: Manual Velocity refers to the velocity taken from the manufacturer’s reloading manual for that bullet weight and powder charge; all groups are three shots at 100 yards.