Thread: ELD-M over ELD-X Why?

Hey guys I notice a lot of people on this forum recommend the ELD match for deer over the ELD expanding.

I realise that the match bullets generally speaking have better BC's and therefore may be more accurate over range.

But why not use the expanding models that have been purpose built for shooting game?

Are the ELD-X too hard?

Don't the ELD-M blow up at close range?

I shoot a lot of goats with target pills (SMK, TMK, Amax, custom comps) and find they work well due to the lower body weights and anatomy.

I have shot one or two deer but have yet to try these with the exception of one animal with a 212 ELDX in a 308. I have both types in 7mm to try when the SAUM arrives.

Not trying to have a dig at anyone, just trying to understand the logic.

ELD-m are what the old amax were. A bit soft for up close, but brillant once the range got up a bit. The ELD-x is harder and should work better at close range, but not open quite as well at long range. All this depends on what velocity you launch them at, and if you want one load does all, or two loads.

I used the 140 amax in my 6.5x55 and sacked plenty of deer up close, never had any issues with under penertration and that's with them being launched about 2750fps.
It is worth noting that a high BC doesn't mean it will be more accurate, but it does give you a larger margin or error when calculating long shots... Infact the most accurate load in my tikka ended up being a flat base soft point.

If I was to go back to a 6.5mm I would run the 140gr eldm for Bush and tops.

Iv just started using 162 Eld x in the 7mm mag 3130 fps ,iv only shot 1 Tahr with this load but at 307 yards it dropped it on the spot bullet went in just behind the shoulder & ended up under the skin on the opposite shoulder , mushroomed nicely

Bloody Hornady giving us too many options

Originally Posted by Boaraxa

Iv just started using 162 Eld x in the 7mm mag 3130 fps ,iv only shot 1 Tahr with this load but at 307 yards it dropped it on the spot bullet went in just behind the shoulder & ended up under the skin on the opposite shoulder , mushroomed nicely

Got a photo?

I'd go eld x. Seen a 162 eld m in 7 mag at 400 yards perform like shit on a BIG red stag. Projectile fell to bits quick and didn't penetrate adequately. Small deer maybe ok. Big deer not so good.

Originally Posted by 300_BLK

Got a photo?

what would you like a pic of the bullet or the Tahr ?

The mrs

Originally Posted by Boaraxa

what would you like a pic of the bullet or the Tahr ?

Bullet or both please

Or the mrs we won't tell

I left the bullet on the back of the truck , just had a look for it but its gone.

I couldn't make up my mind on what to do with it cape it of skin it so I carried it out whole


Id never hung one up before , really surprising how much meat is on them , for a crusty & as the missz (sorry @Gibo ur outa luck ) likes to point out STINKY bull , those back straps were bloody good eating the rest is going into salami

You left 6 inches of them on there

Originally Posted by Gibo

You left 6 inches of them on there

Yea it looks like it but nar , that mussel is part of there back legs

Originally Posted by Ginga

I'd go eld x. Seen a 162 eld m in 7 mag at 400 yards perform like shit on a BIG red stag. Projectile fell to bits quick and didn't penetrate adequately. Small deer maybe ok. Big deer not so good.

I wouldn't let one bad experience put you off I used the amax for years and have shot probably 30 reds with the new eld-m with no problems including going through bone. Maybe if your launching them plus 3100 the x may be in order for close shots. I would recommend stepping up in weight before going t9 the x.