Range Report Hornady 147 ELDM blowing up

[10X Rifles]

Many years ago, (15+) i was trying to shoot the 140 A-Max in a 6.5X284 around 2900 fps in a 1-8 Kreiger 5R. Lost half of them in 100 yds, Switched to 142 SMK's and have never lost a bullet. I DON'T shoot Hornady bullets. Still Shoot the 142's

 

[Zane1844]

I've been reading up on this more since 147gr will be the first and only 6.5 CM ammo I'll have. I'm hoping if I have issues Hornady will replace the rounds.

I'll be shooting them out of a Bergara HMR so hopefully they'll stay together.

 

[Luke]

I've been reading up on this more since 147gr will be the first and only 6.5 CM ammo I'll have. I'm hoping if I have issues Hornady will replace the rounds.

I'll be shooting them out of a Bergara HMR so hopefully they'll stay together.

In a 6.5 Creedmoor they should be fine. I don't think you'll have any problems.

 

[Average guy]

I tried one box of the 147 bullets. When I had a bullet hole that was a perfect side profile of the bullet I moved on. Mind you this was out of a 5r 6.5 creedmoor. I wasn’t pushing the velocity, just getting a feel for the bullet in my rifle. I still shoot the tried and true 140 hornady match but I’m over the 147.

 

[Steel head]

In a 6.5 Creedmoor they should be fine. I don't think you'll have any problems.

I had problems with them at 260 velocities.

 

[Average guy]

There’s definitely a problem they need to address.

 

[KitterMcSkitter]

Here’s another video of the ELD bullets blowing up https://www.ar15.com/forums/Precision-Rifles/147-ELDMs-Blowing-Up-Finally-caught-up-to-me-/10-9707/

 

[Mk32784]

Well finally just happened to me to. I have shot mostly 147 ELDMs loaded in 6.5 CM at around 2750-2850 out of two Bartlein 1-8 twist 26inch barrels.
They have always performed well and were cheap so I ran it for field matches/PRS/etc.

But this weekend I was at Sac Valley shooting a paper 1000 yard match, there's a 20x36 inch paper target on a 6x6 feet cardboard backer (that's cleaned before the match). And they are pulled an scored by someone in the pits every string. I would be on paper for a parts of a string and then nothing. Guys in the pits weren't see any splash on the berms and no stray hits on targets left or right of mine. Happened probably 4-5 times out of 50 rounds.

Another guy shooting 7mm 190 atips @2750 FPS also had one blow up as well.

Gonna email Hornday and see if I get anywhere.....and also just ordered 500 Berger 140 Hybrids

 

[hic28]

Well finally just happened to me to. I have shot mostly 147 ELDMs loaded in 6.5 CM at around 2750-2850 out of two Bartlein 1-8 twist 26inch barrels.
They have always performed well and were cheap so I ran it for field/PRS/etc.

But this weekend I was at Sac Valley shooting a paper 1000 yard match, there's a 20x36 inch paper target on a 6x6 feet cardboard backer (that's cleaned before the match). And they are pulled an scored by someone in the pits every string. I would be on paper for a parts of a string and then nothing. Guys in the pits weren't see any splash on the berms and no stray hits on targets left or right of mine. Happened probably 4-5 times out of 50 rounds.

Another guy shooting 7mm 190 atips @2750 FPS also had one blow up as well.

Gonna email Hornday and see if I get anywhere.....and also just ordered 500 Berger 140 Hybrids

Add this thread to the email.

everyone who has had issues should email them and add this link.

 

[Josh1978]

I found the problem. You have to look VERY closely. It's only on one of the sides of the box....

View attachment 7359663

I am new to long range shooting and have only been reloading for about a year. With that being said, I did not know that bullets had an expiration date.

 

[Steel head]

sounds like the 147’s are pretty bad now.

 

[Josh1978]

What part of a bullet would expire?

 

[BCX]

What part of a bullet would expire?

I hope thats a joke lol. Watched my buddy on Saturday lose half a box of factory loaded 147.

 

[Josh1978]

I hope thats a joke lol. Watched my buddy on Saturday lose half a box of factory loaded 147.
[/QUOTE
Lol

 

[DMP]

I have now sent over 6000 of the 147 ELDM thru 3 different Krieger 4 groove barrels at around 2750 fps. Everyone hit steel (or the dirt birm behind it). I hope my combination continues to work.

 

[Mk32784]

I have now sent over 6000 of the 147 ELDM thru 3 different Krieger 4 groove barrels at around 2750 fps. Everyone hit steel (or the dirt birm behind it). I hope my combination continues to work.

I mean that was me before I got a bad batch.

They make hundreds of thousands of these bullets for factory ammo and for sale as bullets. But the number of bad ones that make it past QC seem to increasing, to the point a lot of people are experiencing this. I can't risk opening up a new lot thinking there's a chance I'll get failures, esp for traveling to matches with the amount of time and money invested.

 

[GIXXER2000]

I guess I am lucky have not had any issues with 147ELD-M in my 6.5cm. I am using a 1-7 twist 26 in barrel pushing them at 2790 AVG and accuracy has been great. Not 1 blow up in over 250 shot.

 

[DMP]

I mean that was me before I got a bad batch.

They make hundreds of thousands of these bullets for factory ammo and for sale as bullets. But the number of bad ones that make it past QC seem to increasing, to the point a lot of people are experiencing this. I can't risk opening up a new lot thinking there's a chance I'll get failures, esp for traveling to matches with the amount of time and money invested.

I get this. Luckily I am too old to compete. And my 1 mile range is only 30 minutes away. I can take the risk.

 

[UPSTATERAM]

Some of mine were hitting sideways at 100 shooting 147 eld factory. Some didn’t even make it to the target. Very frustrating host a case in early 2020.

 

[Zane1844]

Some of mine were hitting sideways at 100 shooting 147 eld factory. Some didn’t even make it to the target. Very frustrating host a case in early 2020.

This is unfortunate. There's been a big delay on getting my rifle but I have 300rds of factory 147gr to shoot once I get it.

I hope Hornady will refund or just send 140gr to replace with all these issues.

 

[UPSTATERAM]

Yea, definitely sucks. I haven’t finished loading the 153.5 Berger’s. Mine’s a 1:7 28” barrel and they’re just not holding up.

 

[hic28]

these won’t be blowing up.

 

[Steel head]

these won’t be blowing up.

View attachment 7373849

I made the switch.

 

[calshipbuilder]

Took you guys long enough!

 

[Steel head]

Took you guys long enough!

I usually shoot a mild load for the first 100 on a barrel till it speeds up with cheaper bullets and I had about 30 180’s left.

I had a 180eldm blow up at 2680, I saw it go poof just before it hit max ordinance.
I think a 7-08 could possibly blow them up!

 

[Zane1844]

View attachment 7373850
I made the switch.

Midway has these in 140gr factory loaded. I don't reload yet so I may switch to these once I shoot all my 147gr ELDs. They're just very expensive.
So I'm also considering 140gr ELD since I haven't heard issues with those.

 

[hic28]

Midway has these in 140gr factory loaded. I don't reload yet so I may switch to these once I shoot all my 147gr ELDs. They're just very expensive.
So I'm also considering 140gr ELD since I haven't heard issues with those.

even if the 140s don’t have issues, why support a company that blames its customers when there is clearly an issue with bullets they make?

I’m not giving them any more money until they publicly admit there is an issue and they are working on fixing it.

It’s not one or two people having issues. This thread shows a bunch as well as links to other forums and almost everyone knows someone who had issues with some hornady bullets.

 

[Zane1844]

even if the 140s don’t have issues, why support a company that blames its customers when there is clearly an issue with bullets they make?

I’m not giving them any more money until they publicly admit there is an issue and they are working on fixing it.

It’s not one or two people having issues. This thread shows a bunch as well as links to other forums and almost everyone knows someone who had issues with some hornady bullets.

You're right. I've actually found Nolser RDF 140gr on Midway as well, they look awesome. I think I'll slowly build up on Berger and Nolser until I start reloading.

 

[264win]

^^ This.
We need to make it clear that this kind bs is not acceptable.
Every company makes mistakes, but refusing to admit it or make any changes, all the while continuing to sell a faulty product is another story.

 

[st1650]

That's why I only buy Hornady for subsonic loads.

Bang for the bucks the SMK/TMKs are unbeatable at my LGS.

 

[BCX]

Yea, definitely sucks. I haven’t finished loading the 153.5 Berger’s. Mine’s a 1:7 28” barrel and they’re just not holding up.

Berger is the solution. Everyone should just send the Hornadys back w no notice.

 

[UPSTATERAM]

Definitely right on that bro

 

[BCX]

View attachment 7373850
I made the switch.

Trade you a unopened box of Hornabombs 190 A-Tips for a unopened box of Berger 190.

Kidding i will load them up for the 7 Max but its the last box of Hornady i plan on owning.

 

[morganlamprecht]

these won’t be blowing up.

View attachment 7373849

these things have been LEGIT

had them trued up to 800 w/ a .345 g7, then took them out to 1mile

tweaked to .342 for center hits and they held waterline ridiculously well

 

[JMGlasgow]

I've had accuracy issues that suddenly appeared in my 308 and 6.5 using Hornady 168 eld-m and 140 eld-m bullets. I switched to Berger and my problems were instantly solved. I also get far better consistency at distance. I got random fliers that were feet off the target with Hornady.

I called Hornady and they basically said it was my problem, and that the accuracy I was getting was acceptable.

 

[morganlamprecht]

I've had accuracy issues that suddenly appeared in my 308 and 6.5 using Hornady 168 eld-m and 140 eld-m bullets. I switched to Berger and my problems were instantly solved. I also get far better consistency at distance. I got random fliers that were feet off the target with Hornady.

I called Hornady and they basically said it was my problem, and that the accuracy I was getting was acceptable.

same ive seen...it seemed to vary lot to lot quite a bit...some lots were solid start to finish, others, were a pain in the ass

in '13-'15, i started with hornady amax in most everything because they were cheaper...blamed the random "fliers" on me

'16 to when ever the ELDs came out - i shot bergers...instantly noticed a difference down range in consistency without changing anything on my end

when the ELDs came out - switched back to try hornady, they seemed better than the AMAXs i remembered, but still didnt match the bergers...shot plenty well with them a lot of times, but i could still tell i was giving up a few shots here and there

mid '19 - pretty much switched back to berger for good, all the little randomness gone, scores and impact % went up...very, very rarely am i surprised by a miss...usually i know soon as i broke it, and it was my fault

 

[Steel head]

same ive seen...it seemed to vary lot to lot quite a bit...some lots were solid start to finish, others, were a pain in the ass

in '13-'15, i started with hornady amax in most everything because they were cheaper...blamed the random "fliers" on me

'16 to when ever the ELDs came out - i shot bergers...instantly noticed a difference down range in consistency without changing anything on my end

when the ELDs came out - switched back to try hornady, they seemed better than the AMAXs i remembered, but still didnt match the bergers...shot plenty well with them a lot of times, but i could still tell i was giving up a few shots here and there

mid '19 - pretty much switched back to berger for good, all the little randomness gone, scores and impact % went up...very, very rarely am i surprised by a miss...usually i know soon as i broke it, and it was my fault

I had a similar journey and experience.
Up until about a year ago I was a Hornandy fanboy but then the 147’s started blowing up and the 180 shortly after.

 

[BCX]

Similar issues w 285 ELD in my 338 LM AI @ 3050-3170 FPS Loaded the last of them, i had sitting on my bench. Started shooting the Berger 300 OTM and its night and day at 1k... not that it was bad w the 285 but had some funky unexplained hits at times. Will be testing the Berger 300 OTM at a mile on 8/1.

Cant tell you how many times.... i have been in a debate w shooters about 100 yard groups holding at long range. Bullets can do weird things w TOF on windless days that won't show up at 100 or 300. I zero at 100 than start shooting groups at 300 before testing at longer range when working up loads. Im a fast twist, high SG fan and they have been my best shooters at 1k.

 

[Steel head]

Similar issues w 285 ELD in my 338 LM AI @ 3050-3170 FPS Loaded the last of them, i had sitting on my bench. Started shooting the Berger 300 OTM and its night and day at 1k... not that it was bad w the 285 but had some funky unexplained hits at times. Will be testing the Berger 300 OTM at a mile on 8/1.

Cant tell you how many times.... i have been in a debate w shooters about 100 yard groups holding at long range. Bullets can do weird things w TOF on windless days that won't show up at 100 or 300. I zero at 100 than start shooting groups at 300 before testing at longer range when working up loads. Im a fast twist, high SG fan and they have been my best shooters at 1k.

The last box of 285’s my buddy shot were terrible.
He had a disaster of a day.

 

[BCX]

The sad part is, i believe it was early 19 when the first reports showed up on FB 6.5 PRC forum w pics to prove what was going on. Lets say this issue is 1.5 years in the making and hasn't been resolved yet. During this time Hornady has redesigned the ELD plus came out w the A-tips but still won't admit theres a issue. I hope BERGER can keep up the surge in demand for the best cup and core missiles in the business .

 

[BCX]

The last box of 285’s my buddy shot were terrible.
He had a disaster of a day.

You were spot on w the difference we discussed over PM.

 

[archangel485]

View attachment 7373850
I made the switch.

Did you go with 1:9 or faster for these? What's your cartridge or velocity?

 

[Steel head]

Did you go with 1:9 or faster for these? What's your cartridge or velocity?

7 saum
2850ish
1-8

 

[archangel485]

7 saum
2850ish
1-8

That twist makes much more sense to me, thanks.

 

[acourvil]

Well finally just happened to me to. I have shot mostly 147 ELDMs loaded in 6.5 CM at around 2750-2850 out of two Bartlein 1-8 twist 26inch barrels.
They have always performed well and were cheap so I ran it for field matches/PRS/etc.

But this weekend I was at Sac Valley shooting a paper 1000 yard match, there's a 20x36 inch paper target on a 6x6 feet cardboard backer (that's cleaned before the match). And they are pulled an scored by someone in the pits every string. I would be on paper for a parts of a string and then nothing. Guys in the pits weren't see any splash on the berms and no stray hits on targets left or right of mine. Happened probably 4-5 times out of 50 rounds.

Another guy shooting 7mm 190 atips @2750 FPS also had one blow up as well.

Gonna email Hornday and see if I get anywhere.....and also just ordered 500 Berger 140 Hybrids

Another guy at that match was shooting 6.5 153 A-Tips and had 5 of 50 blow up . . . .

 

[kriller134]

these won’t be blowing up.

View attachment 7373849

Your bullets won’t blow up, but now your primers won’t either

 

[Steel head]

That twist makes much more sense to me, thanks.

It’s a very good combination.
I was impressed with their performance at 1.5 miles.
Waiting for a Charlie tarac and I’ll try them even further.

 

[hic28]

Your bullets won’t blow up, but now your primers won’t either

Lol, no kidding. new lot, gonna test. Federals are sold out everywhere and i shot all the ones I had.

 

[Steel head]

Lol, no kidding. new lot, gonna test. Federals are sold out everywhere and i shot all the ones I had.

I’ve been consistently able to get 210-215’s at sportsman’s warehouse ordering online.

 

[Steel head]

Another guy at that match was shooting 6.5 153 A-Tips and had 5 of 50 blow up . . . .

That’s about the same ratio as the 190 a tips I tried.