Federal markets its Power-Shok 180-grain SP for big game. It uses a jacketed soft-point bullet rated at a G1 BC of .245 and leaves the muzzle at 2,100 fps. The heavy bullet holds on to its energy: it still carries 925 ft-lbs at 200 yards.

Compared with Hornady's American Whitetail 170-grain InterLock, the Federal starts 100 fps slower but catches up by 300 yards. From a 100-yard zero the Federal drops about 34 inches at 300 yards and the Hornady about 33, nearly the same. A steady 10 mph wind blowing straight across the range pushes the Federal about 22 inches sideways by 300 yards and the Hornady about 24. Compared with Hornady's Custom 165-grain FTX, the Federal gives up a little: the FTX starts 100 fps faster, drops about 30 inches at 300 yards and drifts about 20 in the same wind. The Federal kicks about 14 percent harder than the FTX in the same rifle.

Buy the Power-Shok 180-grain if you want a heavy soft point for big game and less wind drift than the American Whitetail 170-grain. Pick the Custom 165-grain FTX if a flatter path and lighter recoil matter more to you than bullet weight. Pick the American Whitetail 170-grain if you want a faster start from a load Hornady markets for deer. Winchester's Super-X 180-grain Power-Point is the closest match at the muzzle, with the same 2,100 fps and the same recoil in the same rifle, if you would rather shoot Winchester's soft point.