A max vs eldx seating depth comparison

[crabcreekhunter]

Used to shoot a lot of 162 gr amaxs out of my .280 AI and switching over to the eldx for hunting, have had mediocre results with same powder seating depth just curious if anyone has worked up a load and has an educated opinion on if the eldx like to be seated further out in their rifle than the amax.  Just being a little lazy and seeing if i cant get a lucky nudge in the right direction before doing all the normal tests.  I think the eldxs have a little longer bearing surface which hints to me seat them out a little further?

[CaNINE]

I've been doing a lot of load testing with ELD-X in the 280AI with 162 grain and H4831SC. I did a seating depth study starting at 0.010 jump and working up to 0.110 jump. The more jump the better for group size and ES. I loaded more tests at 0.130 and 0.140. They shot even better. I settled on the 0.140 load using 57.5 grains of powder which shot 1.25" at 200 yards with a ES of 8. This is out of a kimber Montana with a toothpick barrel. Velocity is about perfect for close to mid range work, right at 2750 fps

[CaNINE]

I've also been working with the 220 grain in my RUM, 143 grain in my 264WM and the 200 grain in my WSM. They all shoot best between 0.050 and 0.090 with the exception of the 280AI which likes even more jump. I hope to put one of these bullets in a deer and a elk in a few weeks.

[BULLBLASTER]

I am getting great accuracy in my 6.5-284 with 0.01 ish jump. 1/2-3/4 mos is the norm for 220 yards off the bench.

[carpsniperg2]

I have burned a lot of them in my wildcat breaking it in and have also shot a few animals with them. Im seeing great results on paper/steel/critter. Im holding 1/2 to 1 moa to 800 with this rifle. My loads are at max mag length and about 10 thousands off my lands. They definitely in my rifle shoot best closer to the lands. I tried some 30 40 thousands off and they were wild. I have only shot coyotes with a aframe but i can say the killing power on the eldx should be much better.

[CaNINE]

sounds like we're all getting different results when it comes to seating depth.  Looks like your going to have to experiment with your rifle to see what shoots best.

[crabcreekhunter]

Thanks for the educated responses everyone, i know the 168 bergers i have to have them slightly on the lands to shoot in my rifle which is why i dont use them to hunt with, would hate to pull a bullet several miles in.  Ill start loading them at my lands and start working my way back, thanks again.

[rudysts]

I tried the 162ELDX in 280AI and 284 Shehane I was hoping they would shoot at least half minute the best was 1 minute @ 200 yards and really horrible past 200. seating depth was from at the lands to .060 off. the amaxes shot way better for me. I also had a hard time maintaining consistent seating depths I had to back my micrometer seating die off .010 thou then measure and and adjust accordingly for the desired seating depth.

[hogslayer]

I gave the eld x a hell of a try in my 7mm and couldn't get any decent groups.  Switched to 168 bergers and got to 5/8 group pretty fast.  Did the Berger seating depth ladder and shot best .80 off the lands. Maybe try it with the eld-x. Start at the lands and back up to .20,.40,.60,.80,.120 off lands.  The rest shot like garbage.  I hit .80 off the lands and couldn't believe it. Made one big hole on the target

[crabcreekhunter]

Thanks for the replies everyone loaded up a "berger" ladder test today before work so will go give it a try in the morning, hopefully with some good results! 

[MtnMuley]

I hope you get those results with the ELD-X. I wanted to in the worst way with the 28 Nos, and couldn't come close. Berger EOL hybrids for me.

[CaNINE]

I hope you get those results with the ELD-X. I wanted to in the worst way with the 28 Nos, and couldn't come close. Berger EOL hybrids for me.

My buddy has a load with 175 ELD-X and his 28 Nosler built on a 26" Krieger barrel.  I know he's getting 3040 fps and about half minute.  I believe he's using an Alliant powder but not sure which one.  Let me know if you want the data and I'll get in touch with him.

[savagehunter]

6.5x284 on the lands eldx with 4831sc out shot the berger 140 gr just barely . Since they are cheaper I'm going with them.

[MtnMuley]

I hope you get those results with the ELD-X. I wanted to in the worst way with the 28 Nos, and couldn't come close. Berger EOL hybrids for me.

My buddy has a load with 175 ELD-X and his 28 Nosler built on a 26" Krieger barrel.  I know he's getting 3040 fps and about half minute.  I believe he's using an Alliant powder but not sure which one.  Let me know if you want the data and I'll get in touch with him.

Absolutely. Thank you. The 175's were the bullet I wanted. .5 works for me. My only question would be the temperature stability of the Alliant.

[rudysts]

Thanks for the replies everyone loaded up a "berger" ladder test today before work so will go give it a try in the morning, hopefully with some good results!
[/quote

180 Berger VLD with H4831 was the ticket for me in my 280AI 2840 fps. if your barrel twist will allow you to shoot the 180s it might be worth it I found it more accurate in my rifle over the 168s.