For 2016, Hornady has unleashed a bunch of exciting new products- two that I’m particularly excited about are the new Lock-N-Load Iron press (I will be covering that in detail shortly!) and the new line of bullets including ELD-X and ELD Match bullets. I just got my hands on some ELD-X bullets, and I’m really looking forward to loading and then shooting these bullets in the Ruger Precision Rifle.
So what is ELD-X? This acronym stands for “Extremely Low Drag, Expanding”. In layman’s terms, Hornady has created a bullet that combines some of the great attributes and features of both match bullets and hunting bullets into a single bullet design. The key breakthrough in this new product was the material science and unique scientific experiments that yielded what Hornady calls the “Heat Shield” tip. Based on extensive testing using doppler radar, Hornady determined that polymer tips (on bullets such as AMAX and all other conventional polymer tips in the industry) would melt when pushed to super high velocities. Literally like a space capsule re-entering the atmosphere. With these findings in hand, Hornady focused on developing a new material for their plastic tips that could be pushed way further in velocity before being compromised. The performance benefits are two-fold: higher BC and consistency due to the polymer tip, and higher usable velocities due to the heat shield.
Here’s a picture showing the new ELD-X 143 grain 6.5mm bullet next to an AMAX 140 grain 6.5mm bullet:
On the outside, the biggest difference (other than dimensions) is the color of the polymer tip. These new ELD-X (and ELD Match) tips are darker in color, and are more translucent. What you can’t see in this picture is the internal design which makes ELD-X a true hunting bullet. The design is optimized so that it expands through the entire internal penetration path.
I just got these bullets, so I haven’t had a chance to load any or shoot any- but stay tuned because I’ll be doing that very shortly!
Thanks,
Gavin
Looking forward to seeing the tests on this new round. I wonder how it would do out of a 6.5 Grendel, if, and only if it can be loaded..
This round is probably only for a 6.5 Creedmore.
Let me check into that Richard!
I have a 6.5 Grendel and haven’t had much luck with bullets beyond 130 grains. Due to the size of the case dimensions it becomes a challenge to get enough powder into the case and seat the heavier bullets while still getting the projectile up to a respectable muzzle velocity to take advantage of higher BC bullets. The real issue becomes the overall length of the cartridge exceeds the magazine length. I’ve had the best luck with bullets in the 123 grain range in my 6.5 Grendel.
Does anyone have or know where I can get some load data on the 6.5 eld x and 6.5 eld match bullets for a 26 nosler set up?
26 Nosler:
I am loading 85.0gr of US869 over a 143gr ELD-X in a 26″ Christensen carbon classic. I am getting 3320fps from a fouled barrel. The groups are holding sub moa. It’s a great load for this hunting rifle. No pressure signs.
JB,
What primer are you using for your 26 Nosler loads?
Thx,
Mark
I am using Federal 210 and it works like a champ.
I am running 85gr of US869 in the 26 Nosler with a 143gr ELD-X. Surprisingly, I am averaging 3320fps from a 26″ barrel. I did not expect that velocity. I thought I would be ~3200fps. I am loaded 2.805″ to ogive, COAL: 3.445″. It’s a great load in my rifle. It shoots sub Moa.
JB, have you had a problem with excessive or rapid barrel fouling? Thanks for sharing the load data!
Remmy 700 PCR 6.5 CM:
Hornady Brass … H4350 … 6.5 ELD-X 143 gr … CCI primer VS Berger 140 H/T
Headspace set, Ogive established and concentricity at minimum for all loads.
Tested with six different loads for the ELD-X AND 140 gr Berger Hybrid Target.
At 100 yards from benchrest the results are … “my rifle” likes the ELD-X producing 1/2″ to 3/8″ MOA in 5 round groups consistently (40.9gr)