When it comes to hunting, precision is more than a luxury—it's a necessity. Whether you're lining up on a bull elk at 400 yards or a whitetail at 150, Extreme Spread (ES) in your ammunition can mean the difference between a clean kill and a wounded animal. This article breaks down what ES is, how it affects hunting accuracy, and why selecting the right ammo makes all the difference.
Extreme Spread is the difference in muzzle velocity between the fastest and slowest rounds in a group, typically over 10 shots. For example:
Shooters often refer to this number when assessing the quality and consistency of their ammo. The smaller the ES, the more predictable your shot placement will be—especially at extended distances.
In the video, the Outdoor Solutions team tested factory ammunition to assess ES under real hunting conditions using:
Group Extreme Spread (fps) Group Size (MOA)
Group 1 29fps 1.13 MOA
Group 2 28fps .89 MOA
Outdoor Solutions has worked with Federal Premium since 2006—their longest-standing industry partner. Here’s why:
Learn more at federalpremium.com
Hunters may not always be long-range competitors, but we share the same goal: accuracy that you can count on. Extreme Spread is more than a number—it’s a reflection of your ammo’s ability to deliver results under pressure.
If you're not into handloading but still demand tight groups and consistent performance, the combination of what we used for this testing without a doubt will deliver the results you are looking for. Federal Premium ammunition, a custom rifle from Allterra Arms, Optics from Zeiss and a Dead Air suppressor provides confidence you can carry into the field.
