Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X: Redefining Long-Range Hunting Performance

For serious hunters and precision shooters who demand the absolute best in accuracy, terminal performance, and ethical harvest capability at extended ranges, the Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding (ELD-X) ammunition stands as a benchmark. This isn't just another hunting round; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to solve the age-old challenge of consistent performance across a wide spectrum of distances and impact velocities. Are you grappling with inconsistent bullet expansion at long ranges? Do you seek a cartridge that offers superior wind deflection resistance and a flatter trajectory for those critical, once-in-a-lifetime shots? The Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X ammunition is your answer, providing the confidence needed to make ethical, clean kills on medium to large game, whether you're stalking a trophy elk across vast Western plains or pursuing elusive whitetail in more open Eastern timber.

This premium ammunition, available from reputable suppliers like DEGuns, embodies Hornady's unwavering commitment to ballistic excellence. It’s ideal for hunters targeting animals like mule deer, elk, moose, caribou, and black bear, where the combination of deep penetration, controlled expansion, and exceptional energy transfer is paramount for a humane harvest.

The Science Behind the ELD-X Bullet: Innovation for Unmatched Performance

At the heart of the Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ammunition lies the revolutionary ELD-X bullet, a testament to modern ballistic engineering. Every component of this bullet is optimized for a singular purpose: delivering devastatingly effective performance from muzzle to target, regardless of distance.

The Heat Shield Tip: Maintaining Ballistic Superiority

The most striking feature of the ELD-X bullet is its proprietary Heat Shield tip. Unlike traditional polymer tips that can deform due to aerodynamic heating during flight, compromising the bullet's ballistic coefficient (BC), the Heat Shield tip is crafted from a pioneering polymer that resists these effects. This allows the tip to retain its shape and form, ensuring that the bullet's exceptionally high BC remains consistent throughout its entire trajectory.

• Why is this crucial? A stable and high BC translates directly to less wind drift and a flatter trajectory. For a hunter, this means greater precision in challenging conditions and a significantly increased probability of hitting the intended point of impact, even at very long distances where small ballistic variances become critical. It removes one more variable from the complex equation of long-range accuracy, giving you peace of mind that your bullet will perform exactly as predicted by your ballistic calculator.

Streamlined Secant Ogive and Optimized Boattail Design: Aerodynamic Efficiency Perfected

Beyond the tip, the ELD-X bullet features a highly streamlined secant ogive. This specific nose profile, combined with an optimum boattail design, drastically reduces drag, further enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.

• What does this mean for the shooter? Less drag equals more retained velocity and energy downrange. This is vital for long-range hunting, as it ensures the bullet arrives at the target with sufficient speed to initiate reliable expansion and enough kinetic energy to transfer effectively, resulting in a quicker, more humane incapacitation of the animal. It also contributes to a flatter trajectory, simplifying holdover calculations and making range estimation errors less impactful.

AMP Bullet Jackets: Precision in Every Round

Hornady's Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) bullet jackets are a cornerstone of the ELD-X's accuracy. These jackets are manufactured with virtually zero wall thickness variation, resulting in a near-perfect concentricity.

• How does this impact performance? Highly concentric bullet jackets are fundamental to superior accuracy. Any inconsistency in jacket thickness can lead to imbalances that cause the bullet to wobble or "fly" erratically, degrading precision. By virtually eliminating these variations, Hornady ensures that each 212-grain ELD-X bullet spins true and maintains its flight path with incredible stability, shot after shot. This translates directly to tighter groups on the range and more confident shots in the field.

Unrivaled Terminal Performance: Precision Expansion at All Velocities

One of the most significant challenges in long-range hunting ammunition design is achieving consistent terminal performance across a wide range of impact velocities. A bullet designed for high-velocity impacts at close range might fail to expand reliably at lower velocities encountered after hundreds of yards of flight, potentially leading to a wounded animal. Conversely, a bullet optimized for low-velocity expansion might fragment excessively at high velocities, causing unnecessary meat damage or insufficient penetration. The ELD-X bullet brilliantly overcomes this dilemma.

• High Velocity (0-400 yard impacts): When impacting at high velocities, typical of close to moderate ranges, the ELD-X bullet continually expands throughout its penetration path. The robust, thick shank of the jacket combined with a high InterLock ring works synergistically to keep the core and jacket together. This design ensures exceptional weight retention, typically between 50-60%, providing ample penetration depth to reach vital organs and create a large, devastating wound channel. The controlled expansion ensures that energy is effectively transferred to the target, leading to rapid incapacitation.
• Low Velocity (400+ yard impacts): Where many other bullets falter, the ELD-X bullet shines. At lower velocities, characteristic of impacts beyond 400 yards, the innovative Heat Shield tip acts as a driving force. Upon impact, the tip is driven backward into the bullet's core, initiating reliable and dramatic expansion. Exhibiting controlled expansion with a large mushroom and an impressive 85-90% retained weight, the bullet delivers deep penetration and creates substantial internal cavities. This mechanism guarantees that even at extended distances, where energy has dissipated, the bullet still performs as intended, ensuring a humane and effective kill. This dual-performance capability makes the Hornady Precision Hunter a truly versatile and ethical choice for hunters facing diverse shot opportunities.

The 300 PRC Cartridge: A Modern Marvel for Long-Range Dominance

The Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition utilizes the .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC), a modern, purpose-built cartridge designed from the ground up for maximum ballistic efficiency and consistency in long-range shooting and hunting applications. Developed by Hornady and introduced in 2018, the .300 PRC is not simply a wildcat or a necked-down existing cartridge. It was engineered specifically to launch heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets, like the 212-grain ELD-X, at optimal velocities, making it inherently stable and accurate.

• Why the 300 PRC? Unlike some older Magnum cartridges, the .300 PRC operates at a modern 30-degree shoulder angle, promoting efficient powder burn and consistent pressures. It also utilizes a standard .532-inch Magnum bolt face, making it compatible with many existing Magnum actions. Its case capacity is ideally suited to heavy-for-caliber .308-inch bullets, allowing them to be seated with ample bullet jump for optimal accuracy, a critical factor for precision. With a muzzle velocity of 2860 feet per second (fps) and an impressive muzzle energy of 3850 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), the 300 PRC delivers flat trajectories and significant knock-down power necessary for larger game. Its design minimizes issues like throat erosion and pressure spikes often associated with less optimized Magnum designs, contributing to better barrel life and long-term accuracy.
• Ideal Applications: The 300 PRC shines in scenarios requiring supreme accuracy and power over long distances. It's quickly become a favorite among competitive long-range shooters and big-game hunters pursuing elk, moose, large bears, and other formidable quarry in open terrain where shots can extend beyond 300-400 yards. Its ability to manage wind drift effectively and deliver consistent terminal performance makes it an ideal choice for the ethical hunter who prioritizes a clean, one-shot harvest.

Why Choose Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X?

Choosing the right ammunition is as critical as choosing the right rifle. The Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X offers a compelling suite of advantages that address the core needs of the serious hunter:

1. Unmatched Accuracy: The combination of Hornady's AMP bullet jackets, precisely designed Heat Shield tip, and the inherent stability of the 300 PRC cartridge ensures exceptional shot-to-shot consistency and sub-MOA accuracy potential in capable hands.
2. Superior Ballistic Performance: The high BC of the 212-grain ELD-X bullet, maintained by the Heat Shield tip, results in minimal wind drift and a flat trajectory, simplifying ballistic calculations and increasing hit probability at extended ranges.
3. Reliable Terminal Effects: The unique dual-performance expansion characteristics of the ELD-X bullet guarantee ethical and devastating performance, whether at high impact velocities up close or lower velocities typical of long-range shots. Expect deep penetration, large wound channels, and high weight retention for maximum energy transfer.
4. Ethical Hunting: The consistent and predictable performance of this ammunition empowers hunters to make clean, humane kills, minimizing the chance of wounded game and maximizing the likelihood of swift recovery.
5. Hornady Quality Assurance: Hornady is a globally recognized leader in ammunition and component manufacturing, known for its rigorous quality control and commitment to innovation. Every box of Precision Hunter ammunition reflects this dedication to excellence.
6. Versatility for Big Game: While optimized for long range, the controlled expansion makes it suitable for a wide range of medium to large game, providing confidence no matter the shooting distance within its effective range.

Optimizing Your Setup for the 300 PRC

To fully harness the capabilities of the Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X ammunition, consider the following:

• Rifle Choice: Pair this ammunition with a high-quality, precision rifle chambered in 300 PRC, ideally with a barrel twist rate of 1:8 inches or faster to stabilize the heavy 212-grain bullet. Many manufacturers offer excellent rifles specifically designed for this cartridge.
• Optics: Invest in a reliable, high-magnification scope with clear glass, precise adjustments, and ideally a ballistic reticle or turrets for dialing in long-range shots.
• Rangefinding: A precise laser rangefinder is indispensable for accurately determining target distance, which is crucial for applying correct ballistic solutions.
• Ballistic Solvers: Utilize a modern ballistic calculator (app or device) to generate accurate drop and wind drift solutions for your specific rifle, ammunition, and environmental conditions.

The Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X ammunition is more than just a product; it’s an investment in confidence, precision, and ethical hunting success. It’s designed for those who refuse to compromise on performance when it matters most, providing the ultimate edge for those challenging long-range pursuits.

Product Specifications: Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X (UPC: 090255821666)

The following table provides a concise overview of the key specifications for this high-performance hunting ammunition:

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model Line	Precision Hunter
Caliber	300 PRC
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding (ELD-X)
Bullet Weight	212 gr (grains)
Muzzle Velocity	2860 fps (feet per second)
Muzzle Energy	3850 ft lbs (foot-pounds)
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting, Long-Range Shooting
Game Type	Medium to Large Game
SKU / Item Number	82166
UPC	090255821666