The ELD-X is a little more expensive than the ELD-M. In 178gr. .308 it is about $3 per box (43 vs. 40). The BCs are similar. Curious why they are more expensive. Same difference for a 6.5 (although the bullet weights are a little different - 143 for the ELD-X vs. 147 for the ELD-M).
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ELD-X vs ELD-M
- Thread starter MMH
- Start date
My best guess is that Hornady sells the ELD-X as a hunting round and they figure hunters will be willing to pay a few bucks extra. The ELD-X does have a thicker jacket so that might be a reason as well.
The X is intended to expand. The regular matches aren’t.
Notice the jacket thickness and the interlock ring if you zoom in.
Notice the jacket thickness and the interlock ring if you zoom in.
Yes, I knew that the X was a hunting round , designed to expand, etc. Just did not understand why it was more expensive. I guess they charge more because they can and hunters are willing to pay more. I do appreciate the construction differences details though!
For PRS shooting, there is no downside in shooting the -x is there? Other than wasting money, right?
For PRS shooting, there is no downside in shooting the -x is there? Other than wasting money, right?
The taper in the jacket requires more steps in the manufacturing process. More dies to be made to draw the tapered jacket. Add the interlocking rings again adds a step. That adds to the cost. There's more copper jacket material too, but the labor and added perception of a "hunting bullet" is what adds to the cost. Just my 2 cents worth.
With that said I sell 6.5 CM 143gr ELDX ammo all the time to my local hunters. One hunter took a huge ram, big buck, and a nice cow elk this year while hunting. I've seen a few decent bulls fall to that round too. I haven't got to hunt with ELDM's on big game yet but that's what I'll use in my 260 AI, 7-08, and 7mm RM. I've dumps a few big badgers with a 75gr ELDM in my AR. A couple of yotes fell to that combo also. I'd just keep the impacts on big game under 2600 fps and above 1800 fps with the ELDM's for the most reliable performance. I'd also stay off the front shoulder and go for the crease.
You can shoot whatever you want. If you’re just trying to show up and participate, then go for it.
If you’re trying to be competitive, then it’s not what I would use.
It’s not the most forgiving bullet to load, and the factory ammo is factory ammo.
There’s better options, and I mean that in a few different ways.
How much is taper and how much is uneven, unequal grinding? (in the photo)
My hunting rifle is a Tikka action with a Proof 22" 6.5 Creedmoor prefit, and I shoot 143 gr ELD-Xs with H4350 and Lapua in it. Velocity averages around 2715-2730 fps depending on the weather. I've shot steel out to 1000 yards with it, and it works great for that (as well as on the whitetail I took a couple weeks ago). If I was competing at the highest level of PRS, I'd probably shoot a Berger or an A-Tip, but as a hobby level shooter if I was going to shoot at a local PRS match I wouldn't hesitate to grab my stash of ELD-Xs and go.
Just google 6.5 143gr ELDX cross section and you'll get a bunch of photos. Nosler Ballistic Tips is an even greater example of drawing tapered copper jackets. https://panhandleprecision.com/hornady-143-grain-eld-x-review-hunting-performance-test/
Wow, of course believe you its just that I never had one blow up on me. But the only 6.5 ELD-X I shoot is factory ammo and I only use it for crop damage hunting. Actually, never had a 140/147 ELD-M or a Berger Hybrid blow up on me.
I generally shoot .308 during hunting season and do also shoot ELD-X...again, factory. Not had one of those blow up either.
Do you push them particularly hot?
On impact. Inside 300 yards.
One of my kills with the ELDx, the fist size entrance was larger than the exit. I couldn’t figure it out at first. Then my hunting partner came up with the answer.
It appeared that the bullet had shed & shattered it’s jacket on impact and the core kept going leave a clean small diameter exit wound. This was a doe antelope. Unfortunately those fragments went laterally as they penetrated. This load was going a modest 2944 fps at the muzzle.
Bergers are specifically designed to “grenade” according to Berger.
The problem is these fragments deflect going into places they shouldn’t and meat loss.
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lol...didn't actually follow the link...just googled it and looked at images. haha
Cheers
So again the added taper requires more steps to the manufacturing process. The last manufacturer I worked at even started using EDM to speed up the manufacturing of dies. Then each die has to be hand polished and tested. Then the jackets and cores need to be QC'ed at each step. It all adds to the cost of the finish product.
