This revelation lead to the development of the Hornady® ELD-X™ with Heat Shield™ Tip, which promises improved match-grade accuracy with the terminal performance of the company's top-performing hunting bullets.
The new Hornady ELD-X™ (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) is really exciting news for long-range hunters and match shooters taking pokes beyond 400 yards. That's because, while the accuracy of the super-tip pill is said to be sub-MOA — something accuracy hounds will appreciate at any distance — the new revelations about changing BC from tip meltdown will really prove beneficial in predicting long-range shots.
“While I have never had the opportunity to witness a melted polymer tip on any of the bullets I've ever used – all that I've recovered have been deformed from impact – this principle unveiled by Hornady certainly makes sense,” said Gun Digest contributor Philip Massaro, author of Understanding Ballistics. “The correction of this heretofore unknown issue will certainly aid in long-distance accuracy by keeping the bullet conformation constant and maintaining the highest Ballistic Coeffiient possible. I look forward to testing Hornady's new bullet.”
The new heat-proof pills are available as component bullets for reloaders or in factory-loaded ELD-X Precision Hunter ammunition. ELD-X bullets are “heavy caliber” — the 7mm offerings are 162- and 175-grain right now — and are designed for maximum ballistic coefficients, highest levels of accuracy, consistency and extreme lethality at all practical hunting distances, according to Hornady.
- Best-in-class BCs
Verified by Doppler radar, the Heat Shield™ tip defies the effects of aerodynamic heating and retains its shape to maintain the highest-in-class BC over its entire trajectory. - Match-accurate hunting bullet
Streamlined secant ogive with optimum boattail design + highly concentric AMP® bullet jackets + patent pending Heat Shield™ tip combine for radically superior aerodynamic efficiency. - Devastating conventional range performance
With high velocity, 0-400 yard impact, the bullet continually expands throughout its penetration path. The thick shank of the jacket and high InterLock® ring keep the core and jacket together providing 50-60 percent weight retention. - Best extended range terminal available
Upon low velocity, 400+ yard impacts, Heat Shield™ tip drives backward into bullet to initiate expansion. Exhibiting expansion with a large and 85-90 percent retained weight provides deep penetration and large cavities. Available as component bullets or in factory-loaded Precision Hunter™ ammunition.
| Caliber | 6.5mm | 7mm | 7mm | .308 | .308 | .308 | .308 |
| Weight | 143 gr. | 162 gr. | 175 gr. | 178 gr. | 200 gr. | 212 gr. | 220 gr. |
| G1 BC | .620 | .613 | .660 | .535 | .626 | .673 | .650 |
| G2 BC | .311 | .308 | .330 | .271 | .315 | .336 | .325 |
Also Check Out:
Understanding Ballistics
Tailor your ammunition choice to the task at hand and ensure you’re choosing the right bullet every time with Understanding Ballistics by Philip P. Massaro. Narrow down the vast array of ammunition options with detailed information and expert reviews of available bullets, and come to a better understanding of bullet technology and performance. Plus, learn about the physics of the bullet and its effects once it hits the intended target. Get Your Copy Now
