American Rifleman Television: Testing the Hornady ELD-X Ammunition

Published on June 20, 2018
Duration: 9:58

This video from American Rifleman Television details Hornady's ELD-X bullet, designed for both close-range hunting and long-range accuracy. It highlights the development process, including overcoming challenges with aerodynamic heating, and emphasizes the bullet's consistent terminal performance across a wide velocity range. The ELD-X aims to provide match-grade accuracy and reliable expansion for hunters extending their effective range.

Quick Summary

The Hornady ELD-X bullet is engineered for all-range hunting, combining match-grade accuracy with reliable terminal performance. It features a Heat Shield Tip to combat aerodynamic heating and ensure consistent ballistic coefficient, enabling effective expansion from close distances to over 1000 yards.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Hornady's Quality and Design Philosophy
  2. 00:56Development of the ELD-X Bullet
  3. 01:25Location: Grand Island, Nebraska
  4. 01:34ELD-X: Hunting and Terminal Effects
  5. 01:48Match Accuracy of ELD-X
  6. 02:17The Aerodynamic Heating Problem
  7. 03:03Solution: The Heat Shield Tip
  8. 03:30Continuous Expansion Design
  9. 03:59Tight Tolerances and Design Details
  10. 04:47Evolution of Hunting Bullet Needs
  11. 05:23Designing for Extended Ranges
  12. 05:32Testing for Accuracy and Terminal Performance
  13. 06:14Criteria: Terminal Performance, Accuracy, Aerodynamics
  14. 06:59Misuse of Ballistic Coefficient Data
  15. 08:13All-Range Hunting Bullet Development
  16. 08:31Role of the Heat Shield Tip
  17. 08:56Jacket Design and Expansion Control
  18. 09:34Real-World Performance Experience
  19. 09:47Shooting a Hunting Bullet Like a Match Bullet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary design goal of the Hornady ELD-X bullet?

The Hornady ELD-X bullet is designed to be an all-range hunting bullet, excelling in both close-range terminal performance and long-range match-grade accuracy. It aims to provide reliable expansion and consistent ballistic coefficient across a wide spectrum of velocities and distances.

What technical challenge did Hornady overcome with the ELD-X bullet?

Hornady overcame the challenge of aerodynamic heating, which caused projectile tips to deform and increase drag at velocities between 200-600 yards. This was solved by developing a proprietary 'Heat Shield Tip' that maintains its shape under extreme heat.

How does the Hornady ELD-X bullet achieve consistent terminal performance?

The ELD-X bullet features a 'continuous expansion' design. The Heat Shield Tip initiates expansion, and the jacket design controls how the bullet mushrooms, ensuring it sheds material progressively. This results in significant retained weight (50-60%) and a large wound cavity, even at varying impact velocities.

Why is accurate ballistic coefficient (BC) data important for hunters?

Accurate BC data is crucial for predictable trajectory and wind drift calculations, especially at longer ranges. Hornady warns that BC can be manipulated for marketing, urging consumers to verify how it's determined to avoid erroneous impact predictions.

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