Hornady ELD-X 25 Caliber .257 110 Grain Bullets: Precision, Performance, and Ethical Hunting

For discerning hunters and precision reloaders who demand the absolute best in long-range performance and terminal effectiveness, the Hornady ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) 110 grain .257 caliber bullet stands as a pinnacle of modern bullet technology. Engineered with a relentless focus on accuracy and devastating on-game performance across all practical hunting distances, this bullet is a game-changer for anyone looking to maximize their rifle's potential and ensure ethical, clean kills.

What truly sets the Hornady ELD-X apart is its innovative design, which tackles the traditional trade-offs between ballistic efficiency and controlled expansion. This isn't just another hunting bullet; it's a meticulously crafted component designed to provide both the lowest drag for superior trajectory and the reliable expansion needed for humane harvesting of game.

Unlocking Superior Ballistics: The Science Behind ELD-X

At the core of the ELD-X's exceptional performance is its revolutionary Heat Shield Tip. For years, traditional polymer tips on bullets were susceptible to aerodynamic heating during flight, which could cause them to melt or deform. This seemingly minor deformation dramatically increases drag, degrading the bullet's ballistic coefficient (BC) and causing significant trajectory deviations, especially at longer ranges. The Heat Shield Tip, however, is crafted from a proprietary polymer that is immune to these effects. It retains its perfect aerodynamic form throughout the entire flight path, ensuring that the highest-in-class BC of 0.465 is maintained from muzzle to target.

This stable, high BC translates directly into tangible advantages for the shooter:

• Flatter Trajectory: Less bullet drop over distance, simplifying holdovers.
• Reduced Wind Drift: The bullet slices through the air more efficiently, making it less susceptible to crosswinds, which is critical for shot placement in variable conditions.
• Greater Retained Energy: More energy delivered on target, ensuring devastating terminal performance even at extended ranges where other bullets might falter.

The bullet's overall aerodynamic profile is further optimized by its streamlined secant ogive and optimum boat tail design. The secant ogive, characterized by a shallower curve than a tangent ogive, minimizes drag and increases ballistic efficiency. Combined with the boat tail, which reduces base drag and improves stability in flight, the ELD-X achieves superior external ballistics, leading to tighter groups and increased confidence in your shots.

Reliable Expansion: Terminal Performance Where It Counts

While external ballistics are crucial for getting the bullet to the target, terminal performance is what truly matters for ethical hunting. The Hornady ELD-X excels here with its controlled expansion at all practical hunting distances. This is achieved through a sophisticated internal design, particularly the thick shank of the jacket and the high InterLock ring.

The AMP® (Advanced Manufacturing Process) bullet jacket is a testament to Hornady's precision engineering. These jackets are formed with virtually zero runout, ensuring exceptional concentricity. This translates to superior accuracy because the bullet spins perfectly true. The jacket's robust construction, combined with a lead core, is critical for energy transfer.

Upon impact, the Heat Shield Tip initiates controlled, devastating expansion. The high InterLock ring is a critical feature that mechanically locks the core and jacket together. This innovative design ensures that the bullet maintains its structural integrity as it expands and penetrates, preventing premature fragmentation. The result is an impressive 50-60% weight retention, which allows for:

• Deep Penetration: The bullet drives deep into the animal, reaching vital organs even on larger game.
• Large Wound Channels: The controlled expansion creates significant tissue damage, ensuring rapid and humane incapacitation.
• Consistent Performance: Whether the shot is taken at 50 yards or 500 yards, the ELD-X is engineered to perform predictably.

Who is the Hornady ELD-X 110 grain .257 bullet for?

This bullet is specifically designed for:

• Medium Game Hunters: Ideal for deer, antelope, black bear, and other similar-sized species. Its controlled expansion and deep penetration ensure effective performance on these animals.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: Shooters who push the boundaries of their rifles and require a bullet that defies wind and gravity for precise hits at extended distances.
• Reloaders and Handloaders: Individuals who craft their own ammunition and demand consistent, high-quality components for maximum accuracy and tailored performance. The uniform weight (110 gr) and diameter (.257) along with the AMP jacket make for predictable reloading.
• Hunters Seeking Ethical Kills: Those who prioritize humane harvesting and want a bullet that delivers reliable, rapid incapacitation.

Common Questions Answered by the ELD-X

When choosing a hunting bullet, hunters often ask critical questions about performance. The Hornady ELD-X provides clear answers:

• "What is the best bullet for deer hunting at long range?" The ELD-X, with its high BC and controlled expansion, is an excellent choice for extending your effective range on deer and similar medium game, provided you practice and understand your rifle's capabilities.
• "How does aerodynamic heating affect bullet performance?" Traditional polymer tips can deform from heat, increasing drag and making trajectory unpredictable. The ELD-X's Heat Shield Tip completely eliminates this issue, maintaining its BC for true long-range accuracy.
• "Will this bullet expand reliably at low velocities, or at long distances?" Yes. Hornady specifically engineered the ELD-X for consistent expansion across a broad spectrum of impact velocities, making it effective whether the target is close or far.
• "What kind of penetration can I expect on medium game?" Thanks to its high weight retention (50-60%) and robust jacket, the 110 grain ELD-X typically provides deep penetration, often achieving pass-throughs on broadside shots on medium game, creating optimal blood trails.
• "Is the Hornady ELD-X suitable for reloading .25 caliber cartridges?" Absolutely. Its consistent dimensions, AMP jacket concentricity, and predictable performance make it a top choice for handloaders seeking precision and reliability in cartridges like the .25-06 Remington, .257 Roberts, or .25 WSSM.

Technical Excellence and Hornady's Legacy

Hornady has built a reputation over decades for producing innovative, high-quality ammunition and components. The ELD-X series is a testament to this legacy, pushing the boundaries of what a hunting bullet can achieve. The 110-grain weight in .257 caliber is a versatile choice, offering a good balance of velocity and downrange energy for a variety of hunting scenarios.

The meticulous manufacturing process ensures that each Hornady ELD-X bullet meets stringent quality controls. From the precise formation of the Heat Shield Tip to the exacting standards of the AMP jacket and the careful seating of the lead core with its InterLock ring, every detail is engineered for optimal performance. This commitment to quality means that hunters can have utmost confidence in their ammunition when that critical shot opportunity arises.

When you load Hornady ELD-X bullets, you're not just loading a projectile; you're loading decades of ballistic innovation, rigorous testing, and a deep understanding of what hunters need to succeed in the field. This commitment to excellence empowers hunters to take on challenging shots with greater precision and confidence, ultimately leading to more successful and ethical hunts. The Hornady ELD-X 110 grain .257 bullet represents a significant advancement in hunting bullet technology, providing an unmatched combination of aerodynamic efficiency and terminal performance, making it an indispensable component for any serious hunter or reloader using a .25 caliber firearm.

Hornady ELD-X 110 gr .257 Bullet Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	ELD-X
Caliber	25 Caliber
Weight	110 grains
Diameter	.257 inches
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding
Tip Material	Polymer (Heat Shield Tip)
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process)
Ballistic Coeff.	0.465 (G1)
Sectional Density	.238
Rounds Per Box	100
Application	Medium Game Hunting
UPC	090255254181
SKU	25418

All Hornady products, including these ELD-X bullets, are available at DEGuns.