ELD-M for hunting

Here is a seating depth work up with the 147 ELD-M, they do seem to be somewhat picky where they want to be, though all were under MOA. My current best load is printed above the top left target for reference, to meet my standards these bullets will need to consistently print .3" or better groups at 100 yds and be going over 2900. So far, that's looking very likely with the .050" off load, as these development loads were loaded in some inconsistent formed Remington .243 brass.

Next I'm going to work up my powder charge in .3 grain increments to 49 grains while looking for low SD and pressure, ill report the velocities I get.

Not sure how they'll be for hunting, but if they're anything like the A-Max's and ELD-X's, they'll do just fine.
I have taken lots of whitetails with the 140gn A-Max's in the 6.5-284 Norma, one shot kills ranging from 42yds out to 723yds. They are deadly when they're propelled at 3000fps.
I have taken two deer with the 143gn ELD-X this year but both were smallish (110lbs) and less than 100yds. Results were the same though. Very DRT.

I have no doubts that the 147gn "M" will put out. JohnnyK.

FYI......

The ELD-M bullets are just AMAX with the new "Heat Shield" tips on them. Otherwise the design spec is the same as the old AMAX stuff. That's why ELD-X got new load data published on the web but there wasn't anything new for the ELD-M

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I have had excellent results with the A-Max, and the ELDM is just an A-max with higher b.c. I plan on using them in my 6.5SS, and I am not too sure that they may not be better than the ELDX? I will test them both together next spring (the 147 vs the 143). I have never had a problem with getting the Amax to expand at ranges farther than we will probably use them. Because the lead comes clear to the tip on the ELDM, it may delay expansion just a little over the ELDX which has a pretty big hollow cavity. The ELDX has a little thicker base, but that does not come into play until the bullet has expanded half way down the jacket. The crimp in the ELDX is almost non existent so does little to really having much affect on holding the jacket/core together, and tests have proved it. I have disected them it it appears to be no more than .020"-.030". Bottom line is, I think the ELDM may be my choice ahead of the ELDX. We will see after testing......Rich

I've shot the 140M and 143X thru deer from a Creed and it seems to be 6 one way 1/2 dozen the other. Both opened quickly and held together enough for deer size game. I have moved from exclusively Berger to ELD at this point. Not as touchy to load for and while I haven't had pencil issues with Bergers, I usually took shots that minimized penciling at LR.
I shot deer and porcupine past 1K this yr and got expansion. The porky was 1240 ML and the 143ELD-X began expanding before blowing thru. Porkys are pretty lightweight critters. The deer was a pure broadside shot at about 1100 and the bullet blew thru with about a tennis ball exit. Impact velocity was around 1400. Definitely on the outside end of the capability of the round but I could have watched the deer run miles before she hit any cover.
The 140Ms were closer shots and tore yotes, porkys and deer up pretty well under 500 yds.
I think the ELD line is going to be my go to bullet from here on out. Cheaper than a Berger, easy to load for and I think less likely to pencil. I just shot a 7 SAUM w 175ELD-X a 15 shot 100yd group into .686 off of a folding table and 5 gal bucket. My 6.5 Creed will shoot the 140M or 143X under .5MOA all day long. I have 4k 338 300gr SMK that I may try to sell and move to the 285ELD.

Which bullet did you shoot the deer with?......Rich

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I did a load development (3 round groups)with the 178 ELD-M in my .308 and it shot very well with two different powders. Then the 2nd test was at 25 yards on water jugs with velocity at 2,680 fps and fragmented pretty bad but at hunting distances of 100 yards or further out will result in a slower .308 speed and it should work well. I just have not tried it yet on game, yet I still have two more weeks of spike and hog season and I like to try them and post results. BTW, already ordered the 178 ELD-X to test them soon.

elkaholic said:

Which bullet did you shoot the deer with?......Rich

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Both. The M under 500 yds. Acted like a Berger. The X from 250 to 1100. Acted like a Berger ml. Really some of the best 6.5 performance I have ever seen. Good balance between expansion and penetration. I am switching 100% to the ELD line from the Bergers and SMK. I am hoping the tip will minimize penciling at lower velocity and with what I saw this year I think Hornady got it right.

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toddc said:

Both. The M under 500 yds. Acted like a Berger. The X from 250 to 1100. Acted like a Berger ml. Really some of the best 6.5 performance I have ever seen. Good balance between expansion and penetration. I am switching 100% to the ELD line from the Bergers and SMK. I am hoping the tip will minimize penciling at lower velocity and with what I saw this year I think Hornady got it right.

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Not surprised by the water jug. Water will tear up a bullet more than most shots on game!.......Rich

elkaholic said:

Not surprised by the water jug. Water will tear up a bullet more than most shots on game!.......Rich

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Never been impressed by water jug results. Too many pencil issues or blown to pieces. People say a animal is 90% water and therefore its an accurate test. Pretty sure the FBI isn't shooting water jugs.