Terminal performance of the 6.5mm 140 eld-match (pics)

[LVJ76]

This is what Nathan Foster had to say about the 140 amax which is the older version.

For longer range hunting using the swede, no other bullet can compare to the performance produced by the Hornady 140 grain A-Max. This bullet is best suited to lighter bodied deer under 80kg (180lb) and gives optimum results at impact velocities below 2600fps (beyond 75 yards) which allows the A-Max to shear into large fragments rather than smaller, less lethal particles. Wounding caused by the A-max at ranges of between 300 and 400 yards is such that both exit wounds and bleeding from exit wounds can be easily observed through the hunter's scope. The A-Max has a BC of .550 and produces wide wounding for clean, extremely fast killing out to 500 yards (2000fps), continuing to produce adequately wide wounding at 1800fps, out at the 600 yard mark.

Nathan has done exhaustive testing on terminal performance and his work is impressive.

If you want a little more conventional bullet the eldx holds up better.

Nathan rocks!

Nathan is the reason I tried the 162gr Amax in the 7mm-08, and it has worked great.

 

[bomberodevil]

I've put 3 partitions on a coues deer and like nothing, all 3 in the boiler room and deer still ran 100+ yds. Have had several run quite a bit before dying using tougher bullets.

But when we have used the A-Max, SST and Ballistic Tips, all of which are soft bullets, deer don't go far, and without destroying the shoulders. Berges which I'm still kind of new to, has also worked great.

These bullets are more forgiving, but like any bullet, they all have limitations, and if you use it correctly, it won't fail you.

LVJ, what's your thoughts on the relatively poor performance of the NP in your example? I just bought some NPs to work up a load for Texas whitetail in a 6.5 CM for the grandkids, and your post is one of the few I've seen regarding poor terminal performance with the NP on thin skinned game.

 

[Mr. Magoo]

LVJ, what's your thoughts on the relatively poor performance of the NP in your example? I just bought some NPs to work up a load for Texas whitetail in a 6.5 CM for the grandkids, and your post is one of the few I've seen regarding poor terminal performance with the NP on thin skinned game.

Hmm I'm curious too... didn't the partitions use a softer lead for easier initial expansion? Seems they were calling it a multi purpose bullet because of the soft front/ durable rear.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

LVJ, what's your thoughts on the relatively poor performance of the NP in your example? I just bought some NPs to work up a load for Texas whitetail in a 6.5 CM for the grandkids, and your post is one of the few I've seen regarding poor terminal performance with the NP on thin skinned game.

In my experience the NP I alittle tough for thin skinned game. We've killed a few deer with them and the performance was pretty lack luster.

 

[bomberodevil]

In my experience the NP I alittle tough for thin skinned game. We've killed a few deer with them and the performance was pretty lack luster.

My thoughts with the kids are to load a NP on top of the magazine just in case they are offered a 150 yard or less shot, and then have ELDX loaded under those. If the game is 150+ yards, we will have time to remove the NP cartridge and have the ELDX In the chamber. Maybe that's just over-thinking the situation. In AZ, many deer shots are 3-400+ yards. In Texas, most are under 150 yds.

 

[Petey308]

In my experience the NP I alittle tough for thin skinned game. We've killed a few deer with them and the performance was pretty lack luster.

It's a pretty thick, but tapered jacket. Less mass (lighter for caliber) typically works a bit better for lighter, thinner skinned, and smaller game, where impact resistance is lower with the BT, but it kind of depends on impact velocity too.

 

[LVJ76]

LVJ, what's your thoughts on the relatively poor performance of the NP in your example? I just bought some NPs to work up a load for Texas whitetail in a 6.5 CM for the grandkids, and your post is one of the few I've seen regarding poor terminal performance with the NP on thin skinned game.

Hmm I'm curious too... didn't the partitions use a softer lead for easier initial expansion? Seems they were calling it a multi purpose bullet because of the soft front/ durable rear.

On deer, especially coues, I like lung shots, don't like to waste the little meat they have blowing up a shoulder. And for this the partition is too tough, not as explosive on the lungs. Had several deer go farther than they should have.

On shoulder shots it works great, but for lung shots, no thanks. SST, Ballistic Tip, and the Amax work great. Plan on trying the 160gr TMK for next deer season.

On elk I've seen the partition work well, there is more resistance on larger animals.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

It's a pretty thick, but tapered jacket. Less mass (lighter for caliber) typically works a bit better for lighter, thinner skinned, and smaller game, where impact resistance is lower with the BT, but it kind of depends on impact velocity too.

View attachment 406051View attachment 406052View attachment 406053View attachment 406054

I've actually had great success with the 140 BT out of my 7mm. Actually killed my biggest deer with a 140 BT out of my 7mm rem mag. That's partially why I'm getting ready to test the 120 bt in 6.5mm

 

[General RE LEE]

I hunt whitetail deer here in TN with the 147 ELD-M out of my 6.5 Creedmoor going 2650 FPS. I like the high BC and SD and I don't push it at fast speeds.

I prefer the ELD-X for my PRC.

 

[SteveALA]

This is a great thread. I am partial to the 140ELDM. I've learned that that bullet put straight up the leg center of the body will anchor an animal. As for gel testing, the majority of folks use 10% gel, which makes any bullet look great. Check out Barbour Creek's videos. Lots of gel testing comparison videos but they use 20% gel, which will weed out poor performing bullets. James even sometimes put deer bone and hide on the gel. The 140 ELDM performs superbly on those gel blocks.

 

[Prieto9000]

I have a tendency to stick with what I know works. But I'm ready to move on and try a different style of projectile. I'm thinking about trying a more "hunting" style projectile just not sure what style yet.

I've had terrible performance out of the 147's so I decided to try the 127 LRX. My god!! Awesome bullet for 500 or less shots. Never been able to recover one yet.

 

[Prieto9000]

Ive got some 123 sst. Im just a little nervous it's going to be too explosive.

I've used those ones with great success. I launch them @3180fps from my 26" creed

 

[General RE LEE]

I'm so pleased with my 140 ELD-M load, I taped it on the ammo box.

2750 FPS out of my Creedmoor. I look forward to my last few hunts for the year.

 

[sea2summit]

I'm so pleased with my 140 ELD-M load, I taped it on the ammo box.

2750 FPS out of my Creedmoor. I look forward to my last few hunts for the year.

What rifle?