308 : Switching to the 168 ELD-M bullet

[Lunchbox27]

Currently shooting the 168 Hornady Match bullets out of my 308 SPR. This is a great round for what I have used it for but I'm looking to switch to the 168ELD-M. Will I need to do a new load workup or have you found that the current load for 168's (or even 178's) to the ELD's are an even swap?

 

[PhOnEpHrEaK]

Same as amax

 

[Lunchbox27]

Great, thanks!

 

[Rob01]

Yup should be very close. Just for safety though I would start a little lower but use the same OAL to ogive.

 

[Agent Clark]

They'll seat differently than the BTHP bullets, but should be about the same as AMAX. That's what my pal noticed when he loaded some 178's.

 

[Lunchbox27]

Thanks for all the info, fellas. I got out to the range today after the brown truck dropped my bullets off. Loaded up some at 42.8, 43.0 and 43.2. My current load with the 168bthp was 43.0 with a 2667fps and 4.9 SD. All loads shot great, but the one that stuck out was the 43.2. .316" 5 shot group at 2702fps and an SD of 2.8. I'm sold on these puppies.

Lapua Brass, CCI200 primers and IMR 4064 for anyone wondering.

 

[domdoc]

Wow

 

[Fishkat]

Thanks for all the info, fellas. I got out to the range today after the brown truck dropped my bullets off. Loaded up some at 42.8, 43.0 and 43.2. My current load with the 168bthp was 43.0 with a 2667fps and 4.9 SD. All loads shot great, but the one that stuck out was the 43.2. .316" 5 shot group at 2702fps and an SD of 2.8. I'm sold on these puppies.

Lapua Brass, CCI200 primers and IMR 4064 for anyone wondering.

Curious how much jump? I've got a box of the 168's but haven't loaded any. Been shooting Bergers touching the lands, so just curious. Thanks

 

[Lunchbox27]

Curious how much jump? I've got a box of the 168's but haven't loaded any. Been shooting Bergers touching the lands, so just curious. Thanks

I had these set at 2.840" Not much at all. I'm going to play with some longer ones on the next outing at 500 yards and see which is better.

 

[Fishkat]

Thanks for the info, with a SD like that I'd just load and shoot unless you want to find the next higher node.

 

[Brentc]

In comparing the two bullets side by side last week. The 168 ELD-M is not quite the same as the 168 A Max. The nose and ogive are nearly identical, but the ELD has a longer boat tail meaning less bearing surface than the 168 A Max. So, you may be able to push them a little faster with less pressure.