300 WSM?

[PNW4Life]

Is there an advantage to the new heavy ELD-X option over the lighter, faster copper bullets? I ran the numbers comparing the two and they seem very similar. I have not tried the new Hornady option and am curious how they perform at ranges <100 yards, especially since in my experience, the coppers perform well at all distances as long as speeds exceed 1800fps.
I'm not trying to be argumentative, just curious what the draw is.
Here's the numbers with 200 yard zero:

200 gr ELD-X     BC: 0.301           Muzzle: 2900fps                     700 yards: 2033fps/1835ft-lbs Drop: -12.85 Wind: 3.44
181gr Hammer  BC: 0.272           Muzzle: 3085fps (estimate)    700 yards: 2100fps/1773ft-lbs Drop: -11.60 Wind: 3.52

They're so close as far out as I have ever shot an animal or plan to in the future.

[Karl Blanchard]

Can't speak to the copper stuff as I steer clear of them.  I've read endless stories of Barnes failures, so I'm just not willing to go that road.  I like to hit em with a big hunk of bullet.  Small miscalculations in wind aren't magnified as much either.  Inside 700, you aren't gonna see a ton of benefit, but the farther out you stretch em, the faster they start losing steam while the heavies keep plowing forward.  Different strokes for different folks.

[Karl Blanchard]

Run those numbers at a grand and that 212 is probably gonna be 600+ more ft lb of energy and a few hundred fps faster I'd imagine.

[PNW4Life]

Run those numbers at a grand and that 212 is probably gonna be 600+ more ft lb of energy and a few hundred fps faster I'd imagine.

Touche! I bet you're correct about that, sir =)
I don't know much about the ELD-X, but have run the VLD and copper styles pretty heavily in the past. I bounce back and forth between which style I use based on distance and what game I was after. For elk and bear, I prefer the copper after a couple bad experiences with the VLD at closer ranges.
How's the new Hornady bullet do up close and personal in your experience?

[Karl Blanchard]

Run those numbers at a grand and that 212 is probably gonna be 600+ more ft lb of energy and a few hundred fps faster I'd imagine.

Touche! I bet you're correct about that, sir =)
I don't know much about the ELD-X, but have run the VLD and copper styles pretty heavily in the past. I bounce back and forth between which style I use based on distance and what game I was after. For elk and bear, I prefer the copper after a couple bad experiences with the VLD at closer ranges.
How's the new Hornady bullet do up close and personal in your experience?

jury is still out on it for me.  I had been shooting the 190gr accubond long range with good reaults.  Firat season with them my rifle took 12 animALS from 60-800 yards.  It has been a PITA to do load developement with and after I built my rifle and couldn't get it to shoot them very well I said to hell with it and impulse bought some of the eldx.  This was post hunting season this year.  One of my youth hunters did use it on a damage control elk hunt in january however.  Shot was 150ish.  Quartering away shot.  Bullet exited and internal damage was impressive.  Basically acted like an accubond or SST.   If the draws treat me well I'll be rifle hunting in 4 states  this year so they will get a thorough testing.

I'm also loading some 178's in a buddies 300 win with the same accuracy.  Time will tell how well they perform but they sure shoot good.

[kentrek]

I had good luck with the eldx on a bull at short range....kind of inconclusive but definitely potential

[CaNINE]

A buddy in Montana took several deer and antelope this year with ELD-X bullets in different flavors from 30 yards out to 650 yards.  The bullets performed well for him.  I think the key with the ELD-X or Berger VLD's for that matter, is running a muzzle velocity below 2900 - 3000 fps if there is potential for a close range shot.  Rapid expansion without sufficient penetration can equal wounded critters.  Hornady markets these as an "all range" bullet.  I think that assumes you're not cranking them at MAX velocity.   

[PNW4Life]

A buddy in Montana took several deer and antelope this year with ELD-X bullets in different flavors from 30 yards out to 650 yards.  The bullets performed well for him.  I think the key with the ELD-X or Berger VLD's for that matter, is running a muzzle velocity below 2900 - 3000 fps if there is potential for a close range shot.  Rapid expansion without sufficient penetration can equal wounded critters.  Hornady markets these as an "all range" bullet.  I think that assumes you're not cranking them at MAX velocity.

With that idea in mind, not cranking the bullets too fast, I think I'll probably be favoring the 166/181gr Hammers and the faster clip the lighter bullet offers. I will probably have this 300 throated for the Hammers. Having talked with Steve on several occasions, I know there's no limit to impact velocity but just a recommended minimum of 1800fps. Hammer's a whole lot more responsive to customer requests and does some pretty serious R&D on bullets before offering them to the public, unless you're guinea pigging something of your own request/creation.
Over the years, I've learned a formula that's worked well for me:
high speed + large diameter = dead critters with soup for insides

[The scout]

I'm running the 200grn eld x in my 300 rum right at 3100fps, I have shot 5 deer and 2 elk with that load. More time's than not there was know exit hole. I have not had a animal go more than 20 yds, the internal damage is devastating to say the least, I would not worrie about losing an animal by not having an exit hole

[CaNINE]

I'm running the 200grn eld x in my 300 rum right at 3100fps, I have shot 5 deer and 2 elk with that load. More time's than not there was know exit hole. I have not had a animal go more than 20 yds, the internal damage is devastating to say the least, I would not worrie about losing an animal by not having an exit hole

That's good to know. Sounds like had plenty of penetration and all the energy dumped in the critter do you mind sharing the ranges. I'm interested to know what velocity the bullet was running at impact where it didn't exit.

[Karl Blanchard]

Hear she is Ron.

[Reidus]

You got an extended box or magazine to run them over 3"?

[Karl Blanchard]

You got an extended box or magazine to run them over 3"?

didn't want to go DBM so went with a wyatts.  Still not long wnough.  I can get one in the mag well and one the pipe, which is plenty for me but when I get her back I will seat some to mag length and see how she shoots.

[Reidus]

You got an extended box or magazine to run them over 3"?

didn't want to go DBM so went with a wyatts.  Still not long wnough.  I can get one in the mag well and one the pipe, which is plenty for me but when I get her back I will seat some to mag length and see how she shoots.

I got the wyatts box as well. 

Those eldx's are looking pretty appealing. Not sure if they'd work in my 12 twist 300wsm.  I think I'm going to try the 285gr in my 338 lapua imp. When its done.

[Karl Blanchard]

You got an extended box or magazine to run them over 3"?

didn't want to go DBM so went with a wyatts.  Still not long wnough.  I can get one in the mag well and one the pipe, which is plenty for me but when I get her back I will seat some to mag length and see how she shoots.

I got the wyatts box as well. 

Those eldx's are looking pretty appealing. Not sure if they'd work in my 12 twist 300wsm.  I think I'm going to try the 285gr in my 338 lapua imp. When its done.

I bet the 178's pushed hard would shoot well