Thread: ELDX vs M in 300 wsm, terminal performance on deer

Ok, recently asked similar question about 7mm 162gn X and M. Feedback favoured the ELDMS but also highlighted that performance of ELDXs was more variable & very dependent on calibre & specific pill. So seeking comments on 30 cal 178 ELDMS vs Xs, and 200gn ELDX. I’ll be running these in 19in bbl WSM. The 200ELDXs at about 2700 fps muzzle velocity & guessing the 178’s will be 2800-2850 FPS

Shot a pair of reds with the 178 eldx from my wsm. 2900 mv. About 100m and 200m. 200m in the crease blew chunks of lung out the far side and it ran about 40m. The one at 100m was a hilar shot causing instant death and it ragdolled down the hill.

Shot another couple of reds with 208 eldms. 2770fps. 400m and 600m. Both shoulder shots. Neither went anywhere.

I don't think there is much arguing with a 30cal magnum whether it's shooting an x or an m. It'll slay shit a long way away.

I shoot the 178 eldx out of my wsm, 3050mv. excellent performer on reds. From 70m out to 836m, every thing falls over quickly

I'd go 178s to claw back a bit of velocity, 178s or 200s will both slay out to further than your likely to shoot.
I prefer the m's and as long as you're not doing warp 9 at 50 yards you're good to go

One of the more recent Hornady podcasts mentioned that the 178 ELD-X was designed with 308 speeds in mind. The 200 is designed to be shot out of a 30 cal magnum which for its primary market in North America means elk, caribou, moose, bears etc i.e. bigger animals than most of our deer.

Originally Posted by Steelisreal

One of the more recent Hornady podcasts mentioned that the 178 ELD-X was designed with 308 speeds in mind. The 200 is designed to be shot out of a 30 cal magnum which for its primary market in North America means elk, caribou, moose, bears etc i.e. bigger animals than most of our deer.

I actually caught that one and it was a good listen iv had issues with them going to fast in magnums and they clearly underlined that each weight was designed cartridge specific at factory loaded speeds

Originally Posted by Pommy

Shot a pair of reds with the 178 eldx from my wsm. 2900 mv. About 100m and 200m. 200m in the crease blew chunks of lung out the far side and it ran about 40m. The one at 100m was a hilar shot causing instant death and it ragdolled down the hill.

Shot another couple of reds with 208 eldms. 2770fps. 400m and 600m. Both shoulder shots. Neither went anywhere.

I don't think there is much arguing with a 30cal magnum whether it's shooting an x or an m. It'll slay shit a long way away.

What’s the bbl length on your wsm @Pommy ?

I should add the older 178Amax into the mix, as I’ve got a couple of boxes of these. Assume they’ll perform much same as ELDMs. And I won’t be driving them fast enough to melt the plastic tips.

I had similar experience with 200eldx as @Kelton mentioned in another thread, unless bone was hit there was little expansion and deer ran off and needed tracking. Went back to 208amax, majority are bang flops with the occassional one moving 10-20yds at most.

I have used both flavours of 178s pretty extensively in 18” WSMs, prob give the edge to the Eldm but they both work, I’d go with whatever is easy to get a constant supply of. I’m now running the 200gr Eldx, early days but I prefer them over the 178s

As far as I know ELDMs are essentially a newer version of Amax with heat resistant tips.