Killed several whitetail with the 162 AMAX Melty Tip and 155 AMAX, which is functionally identically to an ELDM. All close range, all did massive damage and most exited. I know second hand of several clean big game kills with 123 ELDM in Grendel, 140 in 6.5 Creed, 147 in PRC, and 225 in 30 cal, 88g in 22 cal. Hornady’s killingest hunting bullet might be a match bullet. ELDX has worked well for my family as well though. 143 ELDX, 162 7mm, and the 178 30 cal. Zero animals lost and very quick kills. ELDM seems to be a bit more consistent than the X, so I’m switching to M next year.
I have used the 140 ELDM in 6.5 CM for Pronghorn Antelope. Taken three antelope at ranges 300, 565 and 611 yds. The bullet performed excellent. All bullets exited opposite shoulder with heavy trauma to vitals. Antelope traveled 20yds, 10yds and dropped in its tracks. For light skinned long distance shots the ELDM works great, closer shots or heavier game animals. I would use bullets designed for that application.
Hunting with ELD-Ms only for 5 years now and definitely not using anything else for my mountain hunting setup. Reloading 195 grs in 300WM, taken bunch of different mountain games up to 800 meters. Excellent terminal ballistics with this very soft ogive (which is a must have to expand when at lower velocities).
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog At the end of the day, it just make sense as the slowest the bullet is travelling, the less it expands. That's why shooting a copper bullet long range for hunting (important point) is a non sense. Thanks for your your content!👊
The 180 eldm out of my 7prc breaks bones and kills elk dead right there at 2850fps,i use the 208eldm in my 300wsm and at 2750fps it kills elk,moose,bear...breaking bone and dead right there.I only ever recover the jacket and base for about 30 percent weight retention.Kills are between 20 to 300 yards with exact same bullet performance for close and longer distance.
Got my eye on that exact left hand rifle. I also have a Back country suppressor. I used that exact ammo on deer last season. Worked just like any good hunting bullet. That was my first experience using Hornady match bullets on game
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Got a 130 pound doe around 60 yards quartering to me, hit bone in and out and a 220 pound buck at 235 yards quartering a way, rib in shoulder blade out.
I used the 180 eldm out of a 7prc on a mule deer this year with good results. The shot was 220 yards with a muzzle velocity of 2800 fps, the bullet hit a rib entering and caused extensive damage to the lungs before breaking another rib and exiting on the backside
I have been using the 168 amax which is the older version of this on whitetail in 308. A couple bucks over 200 lbs and one was 240 in wy. My longest shot was 392 yards. Out of an 18 inch barrel ar10 getting 2550 fps. Never had one not exit. Alway very devastating. Including busting through shoulders.
I started using eld match bullets for hunting when folks were far more vocal about their beliefs that those bullets won't work for hunting. Ive used the 52gr eld match out of 223rem for coyotes down to around 1500fps with exits that showed expansion. The 73gr eld match out of 223rem on black bear and whitetail deer. The 140 and 147gr eld match out of 6.5cree on black bear, whiterail deer, coyotes, bison The 208gr eld match out of 300wm through a couple deer and cattle, but it and the 225gr eld match just seems like too much of a F off round for north american game. Wound channels produced appear how those of "hunting" bullets are advertised. I certainly wouldnt hesitate to use 180gr eldm out of 7prc on any north american game
@Thebiggamehuntingblog the 52gr on coyotes were from 300-600yd through the thoracic cavity 1500-2100fps range that exited. The 73gr were around 45yds on black bear through the thoracic cavities with exits. Around 2600fps impact. On deer shots were 150-300yds high shoulder. Around 2100-2400fps impacts where most bullets stopped under offside hide or in offside shoulder depending on what all was hit going through. The 140 and 147gr behaved very similar to each other. Shots were 15-758yds between 1800 and 2650fps impacts all with exits. A mix of thoracic cavity shots, high shoulder shots, and neck shots. The 208gr was used on deer from 20-450yds, impacting around 2250-2750fps. Thoracic cavity shots showed calibre size entrance into the cavity with permanent exit channels 2-3" in diameter. Similar to the 225gr which was around 100fps slower. I did stop a few on beef bulls though, but they were on big bulls head on, with frontal brain shots with the bullet going through the head, cracking several vertebra and stopping in the spinal cord channel with the 208-225gr. The 147gr generally found inside the second vertebra with the same shot. Impacting in the neighbourhood of 1700-2800fps shows to be right in the terminal performance range for this model of bullet. Perhaps there is a different story when impacting at much faster speeds, like for example, say off the muzzle with a hot loaded 134gr eldm out of a fast twisted 257wby, but I suspect penetration depth to be adequate.
I watched this video because I’m thinking of trying this combo. This season I took a mulie buck at 640 yards with a hand load using the 175 eld-x averaging 2998 fps. I shot the buck twice, once in the heart and the other about two inches from edge of the lungs. First shot, he did a back leg kick, and the last shot he just did a quick hunch and stood frozen for about 5 seconds, before he started walking sideways and finally tipped. I hit no bone, and the entrance holes were about half inch wide, with the exit holes being roughly an inch to an inch and a half wide. I was not impressed with the performance. A less experienced shooter would have kept shooting, thinking they missed. I had a seasoned spotter, and I was able to spot my own shots, so I knew I was hitting where I was aiming. I normally run ABLR’s, but I had trouble finding the right seating depth, so I went with a load I’ve been shooting all summer with. 69.5 grains of retumbo and the 175 eldx seated.035” from the lands. If I can’t find a 1/4” load with the 175 ABLR’s, I’m going to try the 195 bergers or the 180 eld-m, since I have about 1000 pills of the 180 eldm’s. This video gives me some hope with the 180 hornady’s. Thanks for the video!
Now that you have done a relatively "high velocity" test, I would love to see this test done again with a low velocity impact, from a 308 Winchester. Ideally at around 1700-1800 fps. Many thanks!
Buddy of mine got his first elk last season with his Fierce Mntn Reaper 300PRC and factory Hornady 225 ELDM - big 6x6. If I recall correctly it was around 250 yards. Passed through, dropped the bull. I just finalized my "elk" load this past weekend. 200 grain Federal Terminal Ascent, 2960fps, 300WSM-Long, 10 twist barrel
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog I found some pulled bullets online and bought almost all of them: around 1000 of the 200 grain Terminal Ascent 30 cal, 500 of the .277 136 grain and either 50 or 100 of the 155s 7mm
As usual, good stuff, John. I know you've made a few videos of gel tests where you get core separation, I just don't recall them off the top of my head. I often tell new hunters to select ammo based on predicted impact velocity, to use premiums if that's expected to be above 2700 fps and that standard cup-and-core will serve the purpose when impact velocity is expected to be below that. This test seems to fairly confirm that. 40% weight loss on that match bullet is about the same loss as a Hammer Hunter. For example, a 50 yard shot on a white tail with a 150 gr 308 Win will be north of 2700 at impact; but with 180 gr 308 Win, impact velocity at any distance will be below 2600 fps since that's about as fast as you can push a 180 out of that cartridge. I'm curious how close to that rule of thumb your gel tests have been.
I've used only 140grn eld Match bullets in my 6.5 creedmoor the last 5 years. I've killed whitetail deer from 35 yards out to 675 yards. I got complete pass throughs on all shots. The deer at 675 only ran 30 yards. This year, I shot 4 doe with that load and they all only went about 30 yards. 1 shot each. My muzzle velocity is a little low though. I'm only getting 2550 at the muzzle. I have gotten it up to 2800 with a different powder, but i dont feel i need the extra velocity when this load is as accurate as it is.
Used the 147 ELD Match in 6.5 PRC because I could not get other options to group well enough for me. Shot a 193 pound Axis deer at between 110-125 yards. The buck was dead within 15 yards. Through the front shoulder and destroyed the heart. No exit and could not find any bullet remains. 2880 fps at muzzle. Hope to find another option but it did do the job, this time.
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog wish I could. I was listening to one of the more reliable channels on here possibly up to 1yr ago. It was the first I’d heard about Hornady having a ‘shadow’ site that was aimed at the military and the forces. The match and hunting bullets were tested in the gel blocks and shown to have remarkably similar results. The claim was made that tests such as these had been rather extensive in the military and their conclusion was that the match bullet better suited their application.
@markchester7584 the hornady law enforcement site? Where they tested out the eld match. They can market such qualities in a bullet for law enforcement. Military/warfare use is a different can of worms altogether. There was a side by side comparison between the 140gr eldm and 143gr eldx on ultimate reloader where they performed similar in gel.
@@NorthRiverGuide yes I’ve seen the UR comparison but as I say it was so long ago now that I can’t reliably cite the reference. I did used to watch a lot of ‘iraqveteran888’ at the time. Not sure but the military reference might be leading me down that thought path.
Not to worry, more 7mm PRC tests are on the way with different bullets. In the meantime, check out the rest of the playlist of gel tests (which includes a Barnes load for another cartridge): th-cam.com/play/PLZzKegcceGJRplMHJbAMhHJrPBN7GCFmY.html
Great content as always. Being from a fudd generation I’m already outfitted with the “classic” cartridges & see 400 yds as a real stretch in actual hunting situations. That being my case I see no need in the new high BC bullets for hunting at all, Interlocks, Hot-Cor, Game Kings & Pro Hunters have served me well for deer for 30+ years. Hell a good 30-30 would work 75% of my deer hunting but I don’t begrudge anyone using the new cartridges as long as they are used ethically. Good job on your work.
The “Fudds” would have appreciated the long, heavy for caliber bullets with relatively high SDs that the new, high BC bullets provide. I’m with you on big game hunting ranges though, and I’d go as far to say that 300 yards is more than enough, and much farther than most can shoot well at anyway. BC is essentially irrelevant at all reasonable hunting ranges, but there are other benefits to these bullets that make them competitive with the “Fudd” bullets of old.
I'm with Chad. I think these PRC cartridges are a fad like the WSM and the WSSM. Most will go back to the traditional cartridges that are well stocked and work... But the 6.5 creedmore is here to stay. What has worked and tried and true people always will come back to.
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Big game hunting: expanding bullets, 6,5mm, 2200 joule at 100m, if monolithic bullet 120grain +, other bullets 9 gram (138,9 grains)+.
@faksen13 nowhere that I could find in the Norwegian regulations does it differentiate how a bullet is advertised. According to the regulations it would seem that eld match bullets are in fact lawful to hunt with in Norway.
I would like to see you test the brand new factory Barnes 160gr LRX loads. They worked great for me on my mule deer but curious how they compare in the ballistic gel.
I wouldn't say I've "given up" on the Ridgeline FFT. I'm more just "trying new things" with the Bergara Sierra. The Ridgeline FFT is more specialized and more expensive and works well for what it is. The Sierra is a more affordable rifle that's still good for more generalized applications.
This will vary from rifle to rifle, but the Match ammo definitely shot better in my rifle than the Barnes 160gr LRX 7mm PRC ammo (which wasn't bad). Though I haven't shot the specific 7 PRC Barnes load into gel yet, those bullets tend to penetrate deeper than lead core bullets (especially a really soft one like this Match bullet), but don't make nearly as wide of a wound channel. Is that what you meant by a Barnes TTSX making a better wound channel?
That would blow up a deer. What would the bullet do a t long range with a velocity of 1800fps - 2000fps. I would guess greater penitration and less expansion. Wound channel would be smaller.
Yes, it would certainly make a mess out of a deer out of close range. You are also correct with what that bullet would probably do with a very long range impact in the 1800-2000fps range: lower velocity would probably result in deeper penetration and a more narrow wound cavity due to less bullet expansion.
I would be somewhat surprised if you started hunting with match bullets having watched your content for some time. Not a question of if match bullets are capable of killing deer/elk. Almost any bullet made today will kill deer. Ethical kill #1 for me followed by minimal meat loss. Again, that’s for me and everybody is free to choose whatever. Thanks for the content
I don't know that I'll actually start hunting with them. This may be a one off occurrence, but I was certainly surprised at how they performed in this case.
I obtained excellent accuracy with the Hornady Match ammo I tested in this video. More details on how this rifle performed for me here: th-cam.com/video/61MoP5BE0iw/w-d-xo.html
A high shoulder hit will make it so the elk has all for feet under him at eight hundred yards. Field dressed a 6-6 field dressed 1200 pounds at the edge of the corn feud he was living in. Yep corn fed elk. Yyyuuummm
I think you would be more than satisfied with Hornady's 160 gr CX solid copper load and the 170 gr terminal ascent bonded load from Federal. Both are achieving velocities around 3000 fps and penetrate deep and retain weight in the 90 to 100 % range. They would be fine for African plains game.
That's true. I took the 160gr CX to Africa in 2023 and it worked great on impala and blue wildebeest. I also literally just took a moose with the 170gr Terminal Ascent last week and it was also an outstanding performer. Can't go wrong with either one!
I'm hand loading the 145 LRX's in my Mtn Reaper. Had to go to a lower weight boolot to get the velocities needed for it to expand well due to the fact they don't make anything longer than a 22 inch barrel. In the end they are grouping better than the .5 MOA guarantee if you can drive the rifle properly. the 168s left a lot of unburnt powder, moved too slow, and seated too deep into the cartridge. Going to revisit it next season with the 160 LRX's which were optimized specifically for 7PRC and see if they can do better. Being solids they expand to about the same at optimal velocities but I wouldn't mind the bonus BC from the 160. Used those ELD-eXploding boolots for years and tired of feeding lead to my family and dogs - I use them for varmints because they are available and cheap.
@@ThebiggamehuntingblogI'd be very keen to see the 160 lrx shot into gel. I know the velocity is outstanding, but haven't seen the expansion and penetration, though I strongly suspect them to be outstanding as well.
Definitely don't use cabelas or bass pro. They mark up atleast $20 per box for 308 so I'd imagine 7prc is worse. Try smaller shops or gotenda if you need to ship
This load and the 175 ELDX aren't even available in 7mm Rem mag due to bullet OAL and the fact that most 7mm Rem mag barrel twist rates are set at 1:9 to 1:9.5. Only Browning has started giving 7mm Rem mag's 1:8 twist but you still have the issue of COAL causing issues fitting into standard length actions and magazines. The 7 PRC has 4gr less cartridge capacity than the Rem but 1500 psi higher max pressure. For all intents and purposes they are nearly identical(within 80 fps) in velocities with all things kept equal.
Case capacity is usually measured to the mouth. With the bullet seating much deeper into a 7RM the actual powder charge and space are probably much closer.
I run the 180 eldm out of a 20" 7mm prc with n565 and i also own a 24" 7 rem mag with 1-8" twist proof barrel the 7mm prc is the easy instant win button powder capacity is witb in 1 grain depending on manufacturer @BornAgain2019
I don't believe the powder story, I think they realized that they're over spinning the bullet and because of it they're not able to get decent accuracy so they had to slow down the velocity to achieve a decent accuracy but sacrifice the speed
I'm not sure I buy that. I'm getting great accuracy and very close to the advertised velocity with Federal ammo shooting the same 175gr ELD-X. As I show in this video (th-cam.com/video/4z28TJTQ-Rg/w-d-xo.html), it looks like Federal is using the old powder Hornady used to load the 7 PRC with.
@Thebiggamehuntingblog 100%!! RL26 is fairy dust....the Federal/Alliant folks have it stored away in a bunker somewhere in Lewiston ID, not wanting to share 😢 lol. I just need an opportunity to buy just a few lbs and I'd be happy 😊.
Get my Free E-Book on the best hunting calibers here:
thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ebook
Killed several whitetail with the 162 AMAX Melty Tip and 155 AMAX, which is functionally identically to an ELDM. All close range, all did massive damage and most exited. I know second hand of several clean big game kills with 123 ELDM in Grendel, 140 in 6.5 Creed, 147 in PRC, and 225 in 30 cal, 88g in 22 cal.
Hornady’s killingest hunting bullet might be a match bullet.
ELDX has worked well for my family as well though. 143 ELDX, 162 7mm, and the 178 30 cal. Zero animals lost and very quick kills.
ELDM seems to be a bit more consistent than the X, so I’m switching to M next year.
I have used the 140 ELDM in 6.5 CM for Pronghorn Antelope. Taken three antelope at ranges 300, 565 and 611 yds. The bullet performed excellent. All bullets exited opposite shoulder with heavy trauma to vitals. Antelope traveled 20yds, 10yds and dropped in its tracks.
For light skinned long distance shots the ELDM works great, closer shots or heavier game animals. I would use bullets designed for that application.
Very interesting, thanks for the feedback!
Hunting with ELD-Ms only for 5 years now and definitely not using anything else for my mountain hunting setup. Reloading 195 grs in 300WM, taken bunch of different mountain games up to 800 meters. Excellent terminal ballistics with this very soft ogive (which is a must have to expand when at lower velocities).
What sort of ranges have you taken game at with that 195gr ELDM?
@@ThebiggamehuntingblogBetween 300 and 750 meters
Very interesting, thanks!
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog At the end of the day, it just make sense as the slowest the bullet is travelling, the less it expands. That's why shooting a copper bullet long range for hunting (important point) is a non sense. Thanks for your your content!👊
The 180 eldm out of my 7prc breaks bones and kills elk dead right there at 2850fps,i use the 208eldm in my 300wsm and at 2750fps it kills elk,moose,bear...breaking bone and dead right there.I only ever recover the jacket and base for about 30 percent weight retention.Kills are between 20 to 300 yards with exact same bullet performance for close and longer distance.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing those experiences with us.
Got my eye on that exact left hand rifle. I also have a Back country suppressor. I used that exact ammo on deer last season. Worked just like any good hunting bullet. That was my first experience using Hornady match bullets on game
You'll really like the Sierra! How far was that deer you shot? And where did you hit it?
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Got a 130 pound doe around 60 yards quartering to me, hit bone in and out and a 220 pound buck at 235 yards quartering a way, rib in shoulder blade out.
I ordered the same rifle here in Canada too, takes a bit for us it seems
Let me know how things go with your Sierra rifles once you get them @TheCDNkindaguy and @Accuracy1st !
Used a 147g eld-m from a One shot kill, .264WM on a bull elk @ 457y and I had 64% weight retention. Bullet shape looked like a magazine ad 😊
Jeez, how fast was that bullet going out of your 264 Win Mag?
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog 2980fps gave my best accuracy, so that is what I stuck with.
I used the 180 eldm out of a 7prc on a mule deer this year with good results. The shot was 220 yards with a muzzle velocity of 2800 fps, the bullet hit a rib entering and caused extensive damage to the lungs before breaking another rib and exiting on the backside
I have been using the 168 amax which is the older version of this on whitetail in 308. A couple bucks over 200 lbs and one was 240 in wy. My longest shot was 392 yards. Out of an 18 inch barrel ar10 getting 2550 fps. Never had one not exit. Alway very devastating. Including busting through shoulders.
Very interesting, thanks
I started using eld match bullets for hunting when folks were far more vocal about their beliefs that those bullets won't work for hunting.
Ive used the 52gr eld match out of 223rem for coyotes down to around 1500fps with exits that showed expansion.
The 73gr eld match out of 223rem on black bear and whitetail deer.
The 140 and 147gr eld match out of 6.5cree on black bear, whiterail deer, coyotes, bison
The 208gr eld match out of 300wm through a couple deer and cattle, but it and the 225gr eld match just seems like too much of a F off round for north american game.
Wound channels produced appear how those of "hunting" bullets are advertised.
I certainly wouldnt hesitate to use 180gr eldm out of 7prc on any north american game
Very interesting, thanks for sharing those experiences with us. What sort of ranges were you shooting those animals at? Did they all exit?
@Thebiggamehuntingblog the 52gr on coyotes were from 300-600yd through the thoracic cavity 1500-2100fps range that exited.
The 73gr were around 45yds on black bear through the thoracic cavities with exits. Around 2600fps impact. On deer shots were 150-300yds high shoulder. Around 2100-2400fps impacts where most bullets stopped under offside hide or in offside shoulder depending on what all was hit going through.
The 140 and 147gr behaved very similar to each other. Shots were 15-758yds between 1800 and 2650fps impacts all with exits. A mix of thoracic cavity shots, high shoulder shots, and neck shots.
The 208gr was used on deer from 20-450yds, impacting around 2250-2750fps. Thoracic cavity shots showed calibre size entrance into the cavity with permanent exit channels 2-3" in diameter. Similar to the 225gr which was around 100fps slower.
I did stop a few on beef bulls though, but they were on big bulls head on, with frontal brain shots with the bullet going through the head, cracking several vertebra and stopping in the spinal cord channel with the 208-225gr. The 147gr generally found inside the second vertebra with the same shot.
Impacting in the neighbourhood of 1700-2800fps shows to be right in the terminal performance range for this model of bullet.
Perhaps there is a different story when impacting at much faster speeds, like for example, say off the muzzle with a hot loaded 134gr eldm out of a fast twisted 257wby, but I suspect penetration depth to be adequate.
I watched this video because I’m thinking of trying this combo. This season I took a mulie buck at 640 yards with a hand load using the 175 eld-x averaging 2998 fps. I shot the buck twice, once in the heart and the other about two inches from edge of the lungs. First shot, he did a back leg kick, and the last shot he just did a quick hunch and stood frozen for about 5 seconds, before he started walking sideways and finally tipped. I hit no bone, and the entrance holes were about half inch wide, with the exit holes being roughly an inch to an inch and a half wide. I was not impressed with the performance. A less experienced shooter would have kept shooting, thinking they missed. I had a seasoned spotter, and I was able to spot my own shots, so I knew I was hitting where I was aiming. I normally run ABLR’s, but I had trouble finding the right seating depth, so I went with a load I’ve been shooting all summer with. 69.5 grains of retumbo and the 175 eldx seated.035” from the lands. If I can’t find a 1/4” load with the 175 ABLR’s, I’m going to try the 195 bergers or the 180 eld-m, since I have about 1000 pills of the 180 eldm’s. This video gives me some hope with the 180 hornady’s. Thanks for the video!
The old amax has done well for me on deer .243 105 grain, that's not the only bullet I use
Very interesting, thanks!
Now that you have done a relatively "high velocity" test, I would love to see this test done again with a low velocity impact, from a 308 Winchester. Ideally at around 1700-1800 fps. Many thanks!
Great suggestion!
Buddy of mine got his first elk last season with his Fierce Mntn Reaper 300PRC and factory Hornady 225 ELDM - big 6x6. If I recall correctly it was around 250 yards. Passed through, dropped the bull. I just finalized my "elk" load this past weekend. 200 grain Federal Terminal Ascent, 2960fps, 300WSM-Long, 10 twist barrel
Very interesting! FWIW, I just shot a moose with a 170gr Terminal Ascent from the 7mm PRC. Very happy with how it performed!
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog I found some pulled bullets online and bought almost all of them: around 1000 of the 200 grain Terminal Ascent 30 cal, 500 of the .277 136 grain and either 50 or 100 of the 155s 7mm
Let me know what your experiences are when you actually get a chance to hunt with that ammo you just referenced.
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Well not that it's necessary but this setup will be going with me for Alabama deer season among other rifles and handloads
As usual, good stuff, John. I know you've made a few videos of gel tests where you get core separation, I just don't recall them off the top of my head. I often tell new hunters to select ammo based on predicted impact velocity, to use premiums if that's expected to be above 2700 fps and that standard cup-and-core will serve the purpose when impact velocity is expected to be below that. This test seems to fairly confirm that. 40% weight loss on that match bullet is about the same loss as a Hammer Hunter.
For example, a 50 yard shot on a white tail with a 150 gr 308 Win will be north of 2700 at impact; but with 180 gr 308 Win, impact velocity at any distance will be below 2600 fps since that's about as fast as you can push a 180 out of that cartridge.
I'm curious how close to that rule of thumb your gel tests have been.
I've used only 140grn eld Match bullets in my 6.5 creedmoor the last 5 years. I've killed whitetail deer from 35 yards out to 675 yards. I got complete pass throughs on all shots. The deer at 675 only ran 30 yards. This year, I shot 4 doe with that load and they all only went about 30 yards. 1 shot each. My muzzle velocity is a little low though. I'm only getting 2550 at the muzzle. I have gotten it up to 2800 with a different powder, but i dont feel i need the extra velocity when this load is as accurate as it is.
Used the 147 ELD Match in 6.5 PRC because I could not get other options to group well enough for me. Shot a 193 pound Axis deer at between 110-125 yards. The buck was dead within 15 yards. Through the front shoulder and destroyed the heart. No exit and could not find any bullet remains. 2880 fps at muzzle. Hope to find another option but it did do the job, this time.
Very interesting, thanks. What did that front shoulder look like afterwards? An absolute mess?
Apparently the US military prefer the ELDM to the ELDX for their purposes because of the ability of the projectile’s abilities.
I have not heard the military uses the ELD Match bullet. Can you tell me more about what you know regarding this?
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog wish I could. I was listening to one of the more reliable channels on here possibly up to 1yr ago. It was the first I’d heard about Hornady having a ‘shadow’ site that was aimed at the military and the forces. The match and hunting bullets were tested in the gel blocks and shown to have remarkably similar results. The claim was made that tests such as these had been rather extensive in the military and their conclusion was that the match bullet better suited their application.
Hmm, now you've really got me curious!
@markchester7584 the hornady law enforcement site? Where they tested out the eld match. They can market such qualities in a bullet for law enforcement. Military/warfare use is a different can of worms altogether.
There was a side by side comparison between the 140gr eldm and 143gr eldx on ultimate reloader where they performed similar in gel.
@@NorthRiverGuide yes I’ve seen the UR comparison but as I say it was so long ago now that I can’t reliably cite the reference. I did used to watch a lot of ‘iraqveteran888’ at the time. Not sure but the military reference might be leading me down that thought path.
Would like to see the same test with an appropriate hunting round. Personally id like to see the tsx ttsx
Not to worry, more 7mm PRC tests are on the way with different bullets. In the meantime, check out the rest of the playlist of gel tests (which includes a Barnes load for another cartridge): th-cam.com/play/PLZzKegcceGJRplMHJbAMhHJrPBN7GCFmY.html
Good info 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Great content as always. Being from a fudd generation I’m already outfitted with the “classic” cartridges & see 400 yds as a real stretch in actual hunting situations. That being my case I see no need in the new high BC bullets for hunting at all, Interlocks, Hot-Cor, Game Kings & Pro Hunters have served me well for deer for 30+ years. Hell a good 30-30 would work 75% of my deer hunting but I don’t begrudge anyone using the new cartridges as long as they are used ethically. Good job on your work.
Thanks! I probably wouldn't make a switch either if I were in your shoes.
The “Fudds” would have appreciated the long, heavy for caliber bullets with relatively high SDs that the new, high BC bullets provide. I’m with you on big game hunting ranges though, and I’d go as far to say that 300 yards is more than enough, and much farther than most can shoot well at anyway. BC is essentially irrelevant at all reasonable hunting ranges, but there are other benefits to these bullets that make them competitive with the “Fudd” bullets of old.
I'm with Chad. I think these PRC cartridges are a fad like the WSM and the WSSM. Most will go back to the traditional cartridges that are well stocked and work... But the 6.5 creedmore is here to stay. What has worked and tried and true people always will come back to.
Good results. I have been pleased with ELDX so far. Thank you.
Great to hear!
6.5 creedmoor with 139gr lapua sinor shot baboon bullet whent straight
Went straight through with little expansion?
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog yes the wounds look the same size
Love these videos, would love to see some factory ammo gel block videos with the 35 Whelen
Good idea, thanks!
In Norway you can't use a bullet markedet as a target bullet for hunting.
Good point! What are the rules for hunting bullets in Norway?
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog Big game hunting: expanding bullets, 6,5mm, 2200 joule at 100m, if monolithic bullet 120grain +, other bullets 9 gram (138,9 grains)+.
@faksen13 nowhere that I could find in the Norwegian regulations does it differentiate how a bullet is advertised.
According to the regulations it would seem that eld match bullets are in fact lawful to hunt with in Norway.
@@NorthRiverGuide you also don't find that it is the numbers on the ammo box (bullet weights and speed) that tell you if a bullet is within.
I would like to see you test the brand new factory Barnes 160gr LRX loads. They worked great for me on my mule deer but curious how they compare in the ballistic gel.
Great suggestion!
Will be interesting to see if you gave up on your Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT in 7 PRC, and if so, why?
I wouldn't say I've "given up" on the Ridgeline FFT. I'm more just "trying new things" with the Bergara Sierra. The Ridgeline FFT is more specialized and more expensive and works well for what it is. The Sierra is a more affordable rifle that's still good for more generalized applications.
That wound channel is not so good compared to aTTSX Barnes. The accuracy of the Barnes is best by far.
This will vary from rifle to rifle, but the Match ammo definitely shot better in my rifle than the Barnes 160gr LRX 7mm PRC ammo (which wasn't bad). Though I haven't shot the specific 7 PRC Barnes load into gel yet, those bullets tend to penetrate deeper than lead core bullets (especially a really soft one like this Match bullet), but don't make nearly as wide of a wound channel. Is that what you meant by a Barnes TTSX making a better wound channel?
What do you mean by “not good”?
That would blow up a deer. What would the bullet do a t long range with a velocity of 1800fps - 2000fps. I would guess greater penitration and less expansion. Wound channel would be smaller.
Yes, it would certainly make a mess out of a deer out of close range. You are also correct with what that bullet would probably do with a very long range impact in the 1800-2000fps range: lower velocity would probably result in deeper penetration and a more narrow wound cavity due to less bullet expansion.
Lol
I would be somewhat surprised if you started hunting with match bullets having watched your content for some time. Not a question of if match bullets are capable of killing deer/elk. Almost any bullet made today will kill deer. Ethical kill #1 for me followed by minimal meat loss. Again, that’s for me and everybody is free to choose whatever. Thanks for the content
I don't know that I'll actually start hunting with them. This may be a one off occurrence, but I was certainly surprised at how they performed in this case.
What groups were you getting? I’ve got this same gun and it’s been horrible accuracy wise with factory precision hunter and outfitter so far
I obtained excellent accuracy with the Hornady Match ammo I tested in this video. More details on how this rifle performed for me here: th-cam.com/video/61MoP5BE0iw/w-d-xo.html
A high shoulder hit will make it so the elk has all for feet under him at eight hundred yards. Field dressed a 6-6 field dressed 1200 pounds at the edge of the corn feud he was living in. Yep corn fed elk. Yyyuuummm
What did you shoot that elk with?
Good info to have ( all info adds to knowledge base) but I still will not use it for any hunting where I live - Africa.
Fair enough and I don't blame you for feeling that way
I think you would be more than satisfied with Hornady's 160 gr CX solid copper load and the 170 gr terminal ascent bonded load from Federal. Both are achieving velocities around 3000 fps and penetrate deep and retain weight in the 90 to 100 % range. They would be fine for African plains game.
That's true. I took the 160gr CX to Africa in 2023 and it worked great on impala and blue wildebeest. I also literally just took a moose with the 170gr Terminal Ascent last week and it was also an outstanding performer. Can't go wrong with either one!
Barnes has a new 160gr 7prc
That's true! I've shot it at the range, but haven't actually hunted with it yet (or shot it into gel yet, though I will at some point).
I'm hand loading the 145 LRX's in my Mtn Reaper. Had to go to a lower weight boolot to get the velocities needed for it to expand well due to the fact they don't make anything longer than a 22 inch barrel. In the end they are grouping better than the .5 MOA guarantee if you can drive the rifle properly. the 168s left a lot of unburnt powder, moved too slow, and seated too deep into the cartridge. Going to revisit it next season with the 160 LRX's which were optimized specifically for 7PRC and see if they can do better. Being solids they expand to about the same at optimal velocities but I wouldn't mind the bonus BC from the 160. Used those ELD-eXploding boolots for years and tired of feeding lead to my family and dogs - I use them for varmints because they are available and cheap.
@@ThebiggamehuntingblogI'd be very keen to see the 160 lrx shot into gel. I know the velocity is outstanding, but haven't seen the expansion and penetration, though I strongly suspect them to be outstanding as well.
Roger that! It may take me a couple of months, but stay tuned for a 7mm PRC Barnes gel test...
In my stores (Canada) 7 PRC cost $5 a round
Ammo seek shows about $1.75. Use that
Definitely don't use cabelas or bass pro. They mark up atleast $20 per box for 308 so I'd imagine 7prc is worse. Try smaller shops or gotenda if you need to ship
@Drakehilt (canada)
Look at the box, and the name. They are for target shooting, not animals.
That's certainly what they're marketed for
But the brass on my lapua hunting ammo says “match” on it?!?!?!? This a misnomer
I see only disadvantages to using this round VS 7 mm Remington mag
Can you elaborate?
This load and the 175 ELDX aren't even available in 7mm Rem mag due to bullet OAL and the fact that most 7mm Rem mag barrel twist rates are set at 1:9 to 1:9.5. Only Browning has started giving 7mm Rem mag's 1:8 twist but you still have the issue of COAL causing issues fitting into standard length actions and magazines. The 7 PRC has 4gr less cartridge capacity than the Rem but 1500 psi higher max pressure. For all intents and purposes they are nearly identical(within 80 fps) in velocities with all things kept equal.
Case capacity is usually measured to the mouth. With the bullet seating much deeper into a 7RM the actual powder charge and space are probably much closer.
I run the 180 eldm out of a 20" 7mm prc with n565 and i also own a 24" 7 rem mag with 1-8" twist proof barrel the 7mm prc is the easy instant win button powder capacity is witb in 1 grain depending on manufacturer @BornAgain2019
@@Thebiggamehuntingblog I assure you, he cannot - meaningfully anyway.
I don't believe the powder story, I think they realized that they're over spinning the bullet and because of it they're not able to get decent accuracy so they had to slow down the velocity to achieve a decent accuracy but sacrifice the speed
I'm not sure I buy that. I'm getting great accuracy and very close to the advertised velocity with Federal ammo shooting the same 175gr ELD-X. As I show in this video (th-cam.com/video/4z28TJTQ-Rg/w-d-xo.html), it looks like Federal is using the old powder Hornady used to load the 7 PRC with.
Have you tried any lighter bullets Such as 130 grain? Interested to know how it performs with that aggressive twist rate.
That’s a hilarious explanation
@Thebiggamehuntingblog 100%!! RL26 is fairy dust....the Federal/Alliant folks have it stored away in a bunker somewhere in Lewiston ID, not wanting to share 😢 lol. I just need an opportunity to buy just a few lbs and I'd be happy 😊.