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 :D

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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

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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.

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Originally Posted by 300_BLK

Got a photo?

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

The mrs

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Originally Posted by Boaraxa

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

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Bullet or both please

Or the mrs :thumbsup: we won't tell

I left the bullet on the back of the truck , just had a look for it but its gone.
Attachment 72137
I couldn't make up my mind on what to do with it cape it of skin it so I carried it out whole
Attachment 72138
Attachment 72139
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

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Originally Posted by Gibo

You left 6 inches of them on there

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

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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.

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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.

Yip agree its only one bad experience but I'm a hole out of both sides of the animal type of guy! Makes it harder to breathe and a better blood trail if it runs etc for a dog / hunter to track.

I use 120 ballistic tips in a 7 08 and usually these little bullets go out the other side and sack a deer on the spot so a little surprised that a 162 grainer couldn't do it at 400 yards after slowing down a lot....

Each to there own and whatever works for you however.

Here's some pics from 143eld-x damage. Never had a walk off yet.
I find them very confidence inspiring for new shooters one less thing for me to worry about.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bd7b30fa17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9db4bfa8cc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ab14810884.jpg

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Thanks @BRADS

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Originally Posted by 300_BLK

Thanks @BRADS

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Pm if ya want anymore mate theres plenty on the camera.

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Originally Posted by Gibo

Bloody Hornady giving us too many options :D

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should try the new 147grn lol

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I am :D fucking addictive reloading shit!!

shot placement , shot placement,shot placement
I could go on

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Originally Posted by andyanimal31

shot placement , shot placement,shot placement
I could go on

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

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na x are shit lol

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There's so many variables outside the bullet construction that more likely affect the outcome but we always like to blame the bullets. Best one is when they've done a good job And dropped on the spot, "too much meat damage" ...through the ribcage??
My point is the difference in bullet construction is probably marginal for most operators, all of the sst, amax, eld, eldx are all pretty good, weather, distance, shooter are going to be a bigger factor for most. Serious LR shooters would have their own preferences from field results

Thread Hijack.

Looking into starting to reload myself. I have been recommended both ELD-X & 168GR Berger VLD-Hunting.. Much differences between the 2? Sounds like the majority of you lot use ELD-X or similar

Currently using AMAX in my rem mag however keen to try something different.. Majority of shooting would be 100 - 300 or 500 at an absolute stretch.

Vld are very good killers

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Originally Posted by hotsoup

Thread Hijack.

Looking into starting to reload myself. I have been recommended both ELD-X & 168GR Berger VLD-Hunting.. Much differences between the 2? Sounds like the majority of you lot use ELD-X or similar

Currently using AMAX in my rem mag however keen to try something different.. Majority of shooting would be 100 - 300 or 500 at an absolute stretch.

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If amazing works then "don't fix it if it ain't broke"

Or go to eldx and never look back

Do eldx and eldm shoot to the same poi for the same load? And can you use the same load with either?

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Originally Posted by hotsoup

Thread Hijack.

Looking into starting to reload myself. I have been recommended both ELD-X & 168GR Berger VLD-Hunting.. Much differences between the 2? Sounds like the majority of you lot use ELD-X or similar

Currently using AMAX in my rem mag however keen to try something different.. Majority of shooting would be 100 - 300 or 500 at an absolute stretch.

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Yeah you should try something else, and sell me your remaining 162 Amaxs for cheap ;-)

I'll be loading for my 300 win mag towards years end and have been pondering the difference between the X and M's. Use the X's up close and the M's as a really long distance round is what I've gathered from you guys on this thread?

In the win mag just use the x's. You'll be spitting them out fast enough to get them to expand at distance.

Cheers STUG. With a 26" barrel she will be well not going that slow to say the least!

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Originally Posted by Timmay

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.

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Timmay, what powder are you using?

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Originally Posted by trapper22

Timmay, what powder are you using?

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2209 in a Tikka T3, bullets loaded right out to lands so OAL was over 3" I might be able to track the load down later for you.

I havent used the 30 cal 208 eldm version yet but have used the 200 x, hits with authority on steel as well as on goats as tested today.
2500fps at the muzzle at ranges from 285 yards out to 410 yards. 15 rounds fired 12 one shot kills and 3 misses on my part