New Hornady 230gr ELDX 338

[Juggerxxx]

I just happen to notice Hornady is offering a 338 230gr ELDX. It is appealing to me since they can be purchased for $40 in a 100ct as opposed to the 285gr ELD at $40 for only 50 of them. I would like to use them in a 338 Lapua Magnum, 32”, 10 twist barrel. The box recommends a 12 twist barrel. Anyone have any feeling if these would even be worth trying in my barrel or have experience with the lighter ~220gr bullets in a 338LM with a 10 twist barrel?

thanks

 

[BurnOut]

I'm watching these as well, for a 338 WM that I'm putting together. I think that you'd be in good shape with these projectiles, as long as you can either load them close to the lands or they're jump tolerant. If you CAN run them, I wouldn't be surprised to see 3k+ FPS out of that long of a barrel...

 

[Juggerxxx]

Exactly what I was thinking. I am hoping for over 3000fps from them and comparing them to the 285eld the drop looks very good if I can push them ~300fps faster. They obviously don’t look as good in the wind. I am going to try them at least during barrel break in and fire forming brass. I just can’t find any info on people shooting ~220gr bullets in a 10 twist barrel.
I should have the barrel in two weeks. This barrel will be going in a desert tech SRS

 

[Juggerxxx]

Got out the last weekend when it was a blistering 20 degrees to break in the new 32” barrel.
Decided to use the cheaper 230gr ELDx bullets with H1000 virgin Lapua Brass.
Did not see any signs of pressure ranging from 93.0gr to 97.0gr. I may try and push it up as high as 100gr next time since Hogden’s website has the max listed at 101gr but scares me. Not sure what to do I feel like I’m working in the dark since these are new, not much data out there for them and this is my first time reloading 338 Lapua.
93.0=3022fps
93.5=3047
94.0=3079
94.5=3119
95.9=3098
96.0=3122
96.5=3178
97.0=xxxx
Keep in mind these were only one shot per charge on the magnetospeed.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Maybe a good node at 43.0gr?????

 

[Juggerxxx]

Did not see any pressure signs on the highest charge of 97gr but my bolt is really beating the brass up.

 

[BurnOut]

Damn, that's movin'. I purchased a box of these for the .338WM that I mentioned above, but I haven't loaded them up yet. Seeing your results, I'm hoping to see 2800-ish...

 

[Juggerxxx]

Out curiosity what weight of bullets have you been using in the .338WM and what velocities were you seeing?
I wonder what other people have been seeing for velocities with the 225gr bullets in a 338LM and what powder charges they were using? Can’t seem to find many references. Seems like everyone uses 285-300 grain weights.

 

[BurnOut]

I've been running the Berger 250 EH's, but only seeing mid-26xx speeds, with a couple of different powders... from 71-72 grains of H4831 to 74-ish grains of Ramshot MagPro to 69-ish grains of Ramshot Hunter. I just haven't had any luck going any faster (I was originally hoping to see 2800-ish), and I'm starting to see some light ejector swipes at the heavier charges. I'm thinking of trying some of the new IMR 8133, but I'm not holding my breath.

With the new information I've gathered, I'm thinking that 2800-ish with the Hornady 230s may be a more realistic goal, but I just won't know until I get 'em loaded and get to the range.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

I ordered a box of Hornady 230gr eld-x in 338WM. Out of a 24" barrel I was getting 2817, 2809, 2806, 2799, 2802. Average of 2806, ES 18.
Box advertised 2810fps.
Factory ammo was loaded with 67.3gn of mystery powder.

 

[Juggerxxx]

I ordered a box of Hornady 230gr eld-x in 338WM. Out of a 24" barrel I was getting 2817, 2809, 2806, 2799, 2802. Average of 2806, ES 18.
Box advertised 2810fps.
Factory ammo was loaded with 67.3gn of mystery powder.

Those are promising numbers for BurnOut.

 

[BurnOut]

Those are promising numbers for BurnOut.

They are, indeed... so I know that it can be done, which means that if I can't make it happen, it's on my end.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

BurnOut are you trying to get a 338win mag to shoot over 2800fps with the 230eld-x?

 

[BurnOut]

BurnOut are you trying to get a 338win mag to shoot over 2800fps with the 230eld-x?

I was originally hoping to see 2800-ish with Berger 250s, but I'm only seeing mid-high 2600s with that projectile... which has led me to purchase a box of the 230 ELD-X projectiles. Based on your MV numbers and the fact that I'm running a 26" barrel to your 24", I'm hoping that I can replicate the speeds that you saw (with the Hornady loaded ammo) with my loads.

I have a variety of powders to try (H4831, Ramshot Hunter, Ramshot MagPro, H4350), and if all else fails, I may see what I can do with some of the new IMR 8311, as it seems to be getting some good results in the Win Mag family of cartridges.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

I was originally hoping to see 2800-ish with Berger 250s, but I'm only seeing mid-high 2600s with that projectile... which has led me to purchase a box of the 230 ELD-X projectiles. Based on your MV numbers and the fact that I'm running a 26" barrel to your 24", I'm hoping that I can replicate the speeds that you saw (with the Hornady loaded ammo) with my loads.

I have a variety of powders to try (H4831, Ramshot Hunter, Ramshot MagPro, H4350), and if all else fails, I may see what I can do with some of the new IMR 8311, as it seems to be getting some good results in the Win Mag family of cartridges.

You are going to love the new 230eld-x. I have a few loads that I am working up and for H4350 at 70 I am pushing them at average of 2870fps with ES of 15fps. (Not done playing with that powder yet)
I have startd playing with the RL-19 though and so far I am loading at a compressed load of 78 with no sticky bolt lift. The 230's are flying out at; 2960, 2965, 2958, and 2960 with ES of 7. At 950yards I am holding 6.5mils with a 100yard zero.

 

[BurnOut]

You are going to love the new 230eld-x. I have a few loads that I am working up and for H4350 at 70 I am pushing them at average of 2870fps with ES of 15fps. (Not done playing with that powder yet)
I have startd playing with the RL-19 though and so far I am loading at a compressed load of 78 with no sticky bolt lift. The 230's are flying out at; 2960, 2965, 2958, and 2960 with ES of 7. At 950yards I am holding 6.5mils with a 100yard zero.

Holy shit, NOW you're talkin'. That's the kind of thing that gets me excited to continue tinkering with this thing!

 

[VDVSNIPER]

Holy shit, NOW you're talkin'. That's the kind of thing that gets me excited to continue tinkering with this thing!

I wanted to try my 78.5 and 79 of RL19 but winter has hit Montana once again so staying inside untill the storm passes. BurnOut keep us posted on your adventure with your 338win and 230eld-x, maybe start a new thread with your build so we don't take over the OP thread.

 

[Juggerxxx]

No worries about posting any and all info on the 230gr ELDx here if you want. It’s new and there’s not much info out there to help others out.

 

[BurnOut]

I wanted to try my 78.5 and 79 of RL19 but winter has hit Montana once again so staying inside untill the storm passes. BurnOut keep us posted on your adventure with your 338win and 230eld-x, maybe start a new thread with your build so we don't take over the OP thread.

Alright, I give up... how in the name of all that is holy are you getting that much RL19 into a 338WM case? What is your COAL? Even using my (vibratory) brass tumbler to settle the powder in the case, there's not enough room for even 76 gr of RL19 in the case if I want to keep my COAL at 3.43". The internal measurement of the mag I'm using is 3.500, so I have to keep the OAL a few tenths short of that if I want it to feed.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

Alright, I give up... how in the name of all that is holy are you getting that much RL19 into a 338WM case? What is your COAL? Even using my (vibratory) brass tumbler to settle the powder in the case, there's not enough room for even 76 gr of RL19 in the case if I want to keep my COAL at 3.43". The internal measurement of the mag I'm using is 3.500, so I have to keep the OAL a few tenths short of that if I want it to feed.

I am using a aluminum rod of about 18" and slowly pour the RL19 in. Every 1/3 of powder I stop and tap the base of the cartrage for a few seconds to settle the powder down even more. When I was loading my last batch of 80gr RL19, and seating the bullet, I know this is the max for this case and the 230eldx bullet. I am using nosler brass 6x fired, trimmed at 2.500" cartridge is at 3.470" COAL, CCI 250 primers. At 79, 79.5 and 80 I am really crunching the powder. But I am pushing it to the max to see what I can do with this round since very little info on the .338win since not many people are interested in playing with this round.

 

[BurnOut]

I am using a aluminum rod of about 18" and slowly pour the RL19 in. Every 1/3 of powder I stop and tap the base of the cartrage for a few seconds to settle the powder down even more. When I was loading my last batch of 80gr RL19, and seating the bullet, I know this is the max for this case and the 230eldx bullet. I am using nosler brass 6x fired, trimmed at 2.500" cartridge is at 3.470" COAL, CCI 250 primers. At 79, 79.5 and 80 I am really crunching the powder. But I am pushing it to the max to see what I can do with this round since very little info on the .338win since not many people are interested in playing with this round.

Well, I broke out the crowbar, and got some rounds assembled... COAL with the 230 ELD-X is 3.411, which puts me .010" off the lands in my rifle. I started at 76.0 of RL19 and worked up to 78.0, but I really think that's as much as I'll be able to stuff in the case.

On a side note, I was able to put together a similar 76.0-78.0 RL19 ladder with the Berger 250s at a COAL of 3.435, which leaves me .124"(!) off the lands. I'm still kinda hoping that I can make these work, but if not, it looks like the 230 ELD-X will be a good fall back.

I'm with you regarding the 338WM as a cartridge... not many folks seem to be interested in doing much with it beyond shooting Nosler Partitions at Elk out to 400-ish yards. Don't get me wrong, that's certainly a worthy application of a hunting cartridge, but I really think that it's capable of more than that.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

Finially the weather hit 40 in Montana and I was able to get into the mountains and do a little more shooting. I hit pressure at 79gr of RL19 in the 338 win mag with 230gr eldx bullets. The average velocity was 3,045fps. I will be taking it down to 78gr and 75gr of RL19 and playing with those loads to get the best groups. Overall I am very happy with the way these new hornady eldx bullets fly, better then the nosler accubonds 225gr..... at least in my Sako.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Wow those are great velocity numbers. Good to hear your happy with the 230elds. I found out this weekend when doing a seating depth test that these bullets like to be very close to the lands in my rifle and for the 338LM cartridge. I found The best results when seated 0.004” off the lands. I started that close and then did 0.005” distances from there. I got this tip from another individual who was also loading them.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

Wow those are great velocity numbers. Good to hear your happy with the 230elds. I found out this weekend when doing a seating depth test that these bullets like to be very close to the lands in my rifle and for the 338LM cartridge. I found The best results when seated 0.004” off the lands. I started that close and then did 0.005” distances from there. I got this tip from another individual who was also loading them.

Wow that's very close to the lands. I have not started playing with the seating depth yet, was just gathering data for my velocity numbers. Aiming at a rock at 950 yards on a side of a mountain and checking for consistency. Found two loads that the gun likes now I will narrow that down and play with the seating depth. What kind of accuracy are you getting, got any pictures of your targets when you where playing with the seating depths?

 

[Juggerxxx]

I believe I do have some targets testing seating depths. I will upload some photos when I get home tonight if it’s not to late.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Here is what I have tested at 200 yards

 

[VDVSNIPER]

After looking at your pictures, I will start at kissing the lands and then work .005 back. Should be able to get some shooting done this Friday. Will post my results

 

[BurnOut]

Well, I was finally able to get to the range with my latest round of loads for this thing. I was able to get the speed out of the Hornady projectile (especially with RL19; 77.5 gr got me 3010 FPS, and 78.0 gr got me 3030 FPS), but the grouping was for shit... like, 3+ MOA. H4350 is showing some promise, though... 70.0 gr to 71.0 is getting me 2925-ish FPS, and grouping looks like it might work out. The research continues.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Well, I was finally able to get to the range with my latest round of loads for this thing. I was able to get the speed out of the Hornady projectile (especially with RL19; 77.5 gr got me 3010 FPS, and 78.0 gr got me 3030 FPS), but the grouping was for shit... like, 3+ MOA. H4350 is showing some promise, though... 70.0 gr to 71.0 is getting me 2925-ish FPS, and grouping looks like it might work out. The research continues.

Wow I am impressed with those speeds. That is promising if you can get them to group.
Any seating test results?
I have another 50 of these loaded up for another OCW test. This time I’m using Retumbo starting from 93gr up to 98gr. I hope Retumbo works out well so I can just stock that instead of two different powders. The Retumbo worked very well with the 285gr ELDs (338 Lapua Magnum).
This was at 200 yards

 

[BurnOut]

Geez, I couldn't shoot that well on my best day... anyhow, in regard to the seating depth testing, all of the loads that I put together with the Hornady projectile were .010" off the lands. Now that it looks like I have found a powder (or two; it looks like Ramshot Hunter may be a possibility) that looks like it may work, I intend to play with seating depth.

One thing I will say... I just can't get that gun to like the Berger 250s at all. More 3+ MOA groups, no matter what powder or charge I tried. It could be that rounds loaded to my mag length (< 3.45") just have too much jump for that projectile... and for my purpose, if it's too long to run in the mag, I have no use for it. That said, I loaded up some 338 LM rounds with that projectile, and it shot just fine... I wasn't shooting for groups with that one (just fire-forming brass in the AI chamber), but it was still putting up around 1 MOA grouping without much effort on my part (which still sucks in the grand scheme of things, but it's a HELL of a lot better than I was seeing out of my 338 WM).

 

[Juggerxxx]

Trust me when I say that is my best group ever and I almost shit myself as I saw the group develope. Not a fluke either because the next group was seated 0.005” closer to the lands and three of the four shots were all touching again but slightly larger group and the fourth was about an inch to the right

 

[TRG65]

I worked up a load for my 338 wm with the 230 and H4350, 71.5 grs, a cci br primer, and nosler brass got me a very nice load with a velocity of 2859 with a 7.9 sd. Switched to the 230 after hunting season so I didn’t get to test. I hope it works as well as the 200 sst. My match 6.5 load is 7.4 mils and this 230 load is predicted 7.6 to 1k so the holds will be close to what I’m used to. Thus far I’ve only taken the 338 to 350.

 

[BurnOut]

I worked up a load for my 338 wm with the 230 and H4350, 71.5 grs, a cci br primer, and nosler brass got me a very nice load with a velocity of 2859 with a 7.9 sd. Switched to the 230 after hunting season so I didn’t get to test. I hope it works as well as the 200 sst. My match 6.5 load is 7.4 mils and this 230 load is predicted 7.6 to 1k so the holds will be close to what I’m used to. Thus far I’ve only taken the 338 to 350.

Interestingly enough, I built that same load for mine, except I'm using CCI Magnum primers and Winchester brass. I haven't gotten them to the range yet, but hope to do so tomorrow. I expect that I'll get a bit more velocity (I'm running a 26" barrel) than you did, as 71.0 gr of H4350 got me 2930-ish FPS.

 

[TRG65]

I tried Fed GM LR magnum primers. The cci non mag gave much better sd and groups. A bit more powder for the improvement was an easy choice. I’m running a 24” barrel.

 

[Bigdave1977]

I came across this thread a few weeks ago looking for some 230 grain. Eldx info for a .338 RUM that I have. I joined the forum so that I could thank you guys for sharing. I worked up a load and had good success with accuracy, and now have some loaded up to check for velocity. I never worry about seeing how fast it goes until I know it will shoot.

Load wound up being 98.5 grains of h1000.



4 bullets 200 yards.

 

[Juggerxxx]

I came across this thread a few weeks ago looking for some 230 grain. Eldx info for a .338 RUM that I have. I joined the forum so that I could thank you guys for sharing. I worked up a load and had good success with accuracy, and now have some loaded up to check for velocity. I never worry about seeing how fast it goes until I know it will shoot.

Load wound up being 98.5 grains of h1000.

View attachment 6943149

4 bullets 200 yards.

Welcome to snipershide and damn nice shooting not to mention the quality job on reloading to get there!
Thanks for the information on the RUM as that is why we contribute to the data base so everyone can search for info.
Have you shot the RUM much? I ask because I am coming to the conclusion that a 338LM is a finicky cartridge to load/shoot with consistent results. I had great results when I first started loading and shooting the Lapua but since have settled on 1MOA groups and SDs in the mid teens. Have went back and done load development again but never saw small groups or SDs again. I have read a few people state that the 338LM is finicky.
So; is the 338RUM any less picky and more lenient?

 

[Bigdave1977]

This is the first real load work up I have done for it. I have another load I just threw together when I first had it built using 250 grain Barnes tsx and Retumbo. Then we went through a spell here in Houston where there was very little powder and components around. So I set it in the safe and just got around to playing with it. I have never shot any factory ammo through it as I can get 50 brass for the same price as a box of ammo.

Just from what I have experienced, the round is more on the lenient side to load. I do not have my loading note book handy but I know I set the o-give so that all my loaded rounds will fit in an XLR cip magazine. I believe I am around .025 to .030 from the lands. When I get off work I will see.

But I basically went off of what you posted about the loading. Checked the hodgdon web site for 225 grain bullets and they listed the same charges you spoke of . I started seeing some flat primers at 100 grains and called it quits.

I am running a 30" Krieger barrel, I will hopefully take it to the range this week and see what my velocity and sd with this load. I hope I am getting over 3100 fps with it.

 

[Juggerxxx]

This is the first real load work up I have done for it. I have another load I just threw together when I first had it built using 250 grain Barnes tsx and Retumbo. Then we went through a spell here in Houston where there was very little powder and components around. So I set it in the safe and just got around to playing with it. I have never shot any factory ammo through it as I can get 50 brass for the same price as a box of ammo.

Just from what I have experienced, the round is more on the lenient side to load. I do not have my loading note book handy but I know I set the o-give so that all my loaded rounds will fit in an XLR cip magazine. I believe I am around .025 to .030 from the lands. When I get off work I will see.

But I basically went off of what you posted about the loading. Checked the hodgdon web site for 225 grain bullets and they listed the same charges you spoke of . I started seeing some flat primers at 100 grains and called it quits.

I am running a 30" Krieger barrel, I will hopefully take it to the range this week and see what my velocity and sd with this load. I hope I am getting over 3100 fps with it.

Very interested to see your data and how far from the lands you ended up testing at. I would be happy as well and wouldnt change a thing unless for some odd reason the SDs where high. The bullet is still good and flat at 200yards but with that group I would suspect the SDs are very decent.
30” barrel and 98.5gr of H1000 has got to easily get 3100fps. But I’m no RUM expert.

 

[Bigdave1977]

The bullet wound up being set right at .28 from the lands. My bullets with longest metplats were right at 3.750" shortest metplats were right at 3.746" most were right at 3.749". Those numbers are coal. Using the xlr 3.850" cip magazine.

 

[Bigdave1977]

Ok, update on this load.

I got back to the range on Saturday and had a chance to shoot some more groups and use my magneto speed.

The gun grouped almost exactly like the group in the picture for two five shot groups, and five three shot groups. Largest group was .42". I am happy with the load. My velocity was 3243 avg with sd of 8.7.

I am going to call it good for now. That velocity with that particular bullets B.C. should be good for wamping down about anything I want it to out to 700 yards or so atleast.

 

[Juggerxxx]

Ok, update on this load.

I got back to the range on Saturday and had a chance to shoot some more groups and use my magneto speed.

The gun grouped almost exactly like the group in the picture for two five shot groups, and five three shot groups. Largest group was .42". I am happy with the load. My velocity was 3243 avg with sd of 8.7.

I am going to call it good for now. That velocity with that particular bullets B.C. should be good for wamping down about anything I want it to out to 700 yards or so atleast.

Wow yeah I wouldn’t change a thing! Good SDs, insane velocity and small repeatable groups. What more could you ask for. I’m guessing temperature was different from this time to the time before which means either the powder is a good choice or found a good node.
That will devastate any animal in North America for a long distance. The energy of the 338 is amazing.

 

[Gmanelkslayer]

He guys ,I too joined because of this conversation on the 230 eldx . This info is great and backs up what I have found as well .I am running them in my Ruger mark 2 ss .it's the older one with that crazy light stalk they made for only two years cause they were getting reports of customers dying due to recoil . 24" barrel with four slot of set laser porting 2.5 " back from muzzle . I'm using h4350 at 70.6 g and getting sd of 7 and avg velocity of 2865 . Found nodes at 2930 too but pressure was getting a bit much . I had to jump em across the the grand canyon at .120" off to get this thing to shoot it's best tho .

 

[Juggerxxx]

Wow dying as in death? If your being serious, any idea what the hell that was about? Lol

 

[Gmanelkslayer]

Lol it's a joke ...that gun is really light and recoils like a 416 rig . Not to bad now with the porting tho .

 

[VDVSNIPER]

So after long tests over the summer in a few of my .338 win mags, I am very much liking this new eld-x ammo. Shoots groups as tight if not tighter as my 225gr accubonds loads, but with half the cost and better BC. For this years hunting season I sucefuly harvested a cow elk at 890 yards. For my gun I ended up using 71.5gr of h4350, and 0.010-0.015" off the lands. This load gave the rifle a sweet spot with the speed of 2920fps.

I tried different jumps all the way up to .120" with .010" increments. But found out that the eld-x likes 0.010-0.015" off the lands in all my 3 .338 win mags.

 

[Gmanelkslayer]

Very nice ! 800+ ! I knew that the 338 win could do it but you just don't hear much on it for long range hunting . What kind of groups was it holding ?

 

[VDVSNIPER]

So this picture is of a 500 yard target when I was doing powder development.... before I did landseeting depths to pull the shots even closer.
So with the bullet kissing the lands I was getting a nice little cluster at 500 yards, 4.9" wide X 2.1" height. I do not have the target of the seating depth that was done at 500, but the 71.5gr group shrunk even more.

 

[Gmanelkslayer]

Looks like a winner ! I am going to do some long range testing in a few days . At 100 I was getting .67 ish but I just did a trigger job to it ( it was bad ) so we shall see .

 

[Gmanelkslayer]

Got my SD down to 3.7 with the avg velocity being 2903 this is an 8 shot string . This 230 is a winner in the win mag !

 

[VDVSNIPER]

Awesome!! Specs on the load?