I loading for 7 PRC now and only used 175 ELDX. They shoot real well for me. Federal is making a Terminal Ascent bullet (170 grain) that looks intriguing as a bonded high BC bullet, but is nickel plated. I’m interested in this as a hunting bullet for large Whitetail deer and the bonded feature should work well for weight retention. Is there anything negative about the nickel plating on these bullets? More erosion of rifling or more difficult to clean the barrel, as compared to copper clad bullets? Thanks
Will nickel plated bullets (not brass) increase rifling wear?
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It is a nickel plated bullet, not a nickel jacketed bullet. The plating is super thin for corrosion resistance as I understand it.
Nickel plated bullets are nothing new, and although I've seen your question many times, I've never seen a post blaming them for issues like barrel wear.
Nickel plated bullets are nothing new, and although I've seen your question many times, I've never seen a post blaming them for issues like barrel wear.
Thanks for the reply. My last post about nickel plating was about the brass affecting the chamber. Sounds like it’s so thin it can’t hurt anything. These Terminal Ascent bullets look good like a Nosler accubond. The only complaints I have seen about the ELDX is weight retention with the core coming apart. On a large tough animal that could affect adequate penetration. I don’t think it will be a problem on a 250 lb Whitetail but not sure. I am trying to decide if I need a bonded bullet to harvest a 250 lb buck shot in the shoulder.
You don’t.
But if it makes you feel more confident, do it.
I use the 150 ELDX out of a 7mm-08 and the 162 ELDX out of a 7mm Rem Mag. Been using them for years. Deer, elk, antelope. Very pleased with the performance.
I shot this cow (so a bit bigger than your whitetail) a few years ago, 7mm Rem Mag at 375 yards.
The 162 ELDX centerpunched the humerus just below the shoulder knuckle (a big bone), traversed the ribcage hitting ribs on both sides, and lodged under the hide.
I don’t recall the final bullet weight but it didn’t separate.
She died before I could count to 10.
P
Thanks a bunch! This is exactly the experience I was looking for. I’m going on a hunt trip this Fall that’s not cheap and I do t want the wrong bullet to be an issue. I really like the ELDX and it has been fine on smaller deer. So with your experience I’ll stick with it.
There are people who say that nickle plated cases scratch dies. I yalked to one person who said a gunsmith told them and scoped their die and showed them the scratches. I have a separate die for nickle plated cases I bought I didn't know were nickle. I probably wouldn't shoot nickle plated bullets down one of my barrels. Unless they were really cheap. 
