Unrivaled Precision: The Hornady ELD Match 7mm 162 gr Bullet for Elite Long-Range Shooting

For serious competitive shooters, precision reloaders, and long-range enthusiasts who demand nothing less than absolute accuracy, the Hornady ELD Match 7mm .284 162 gr Extremely Low Drag Match bullet stands as a pinnacle of modern ballistic engineering. Available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, this projectile is meticulously crafted to shatter previous expectations for consistency, aerodynamic efficiency, and terminal performance on target, even at the most extreme distances.

Are you struggling to consistently hit targets at 800 yards, 1000 yards, or even beyond? Do you find your groups opening up due to unpredictable wind drift or inconsistent bullet flight? The answer to these challenges often lies in the quality and design of your bullet. The Hornady ELD Match series was specifically developed to address these critical issues, providing an edge where every fraction of an inch counts. This isn't just another bullet; it's a precision instrument designed to help you achieve your personal best, whether in high-stakes competitions like F-Class or Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches, or simply refining your skills during dedicated practice sessions.

The Genesis of Extreme Accuracy: Why ELD Match is a Game Changer

The pursuit of accuracy in long-range shooting is a relentless endeavor, where external factors like wind, gravity, and even atmospheric conditions can conspire against the shooter. The very design of the projectile plays a foundational role in mitigating these challenges. Hornady's ELD Match bullets represent a significant leap forward, born from extensive research and development aimed at creating the most aerodynamically efficient and consistent match bullet possible.

What makes the Hornady ELD Match 7mm 162 gr so revolutionary? It's a combination of patented technologies and meticulous manufacturing processes that work in concert to deliver unparalleled ballistic performance:

• Heat Shield Tip Technology: This is perhaps the most defining feature. Traditional polymer tips can deform and melt under the intense aerodynamic heating experienced during high-velocity flight, especially at extended ranges. This deformation, no matter how minute, can alter the bullet's meplat (tip point), thereby reducing its ballistic coefficient (BC) and introducing inconsistencies. The Hornady Heat Shield tip is engineered from a specialized polymer that is immune to aerodynamic heating. It maintains its perfectly sharp, consistent shape from the moment it leaves the barrel until it impacts the target. This ensures the bullet’s BC remains true, providing predictable and repeatable flight characteristics. This innovation directly translates to less wind drift, less drop, and tighter groups downrange.
• Optimum Secant Ogive Profile: The ogive is the curved portion of the bullet between the tip and the bearing surface. A secant ogive design, as implemented in the ELD Match, is revered for its ability to cut through the air with minimal drag. Hornady's optimization of this profile ensures the bullet achieves the highest possible ballistic coefficient in its class, contributing significantly to its "Extremely Low Drag" designation. This aerodynamic efficiency means the bullet retains more velocity and energy over distance, leading to flatter trajectories and reduced sensitivity to wind.
• Streamlined Boattail Design: Complementing the secant ogive, the precisely engineered boattail reduces base drag, further enhancing the bullet’s aerodynamic efficiency. This feature helps to stabilize the bullet quickly out of the muzzle and maintain its stability throughout its flight path, minimizing yaw and improving overall consistency.
• Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) Jacket: Hornady’s AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) bullet jackets are renowned for their near-perfect concentricity and uniformity. This proprietary process ensures that the jacket thickness is incredibly consistent around the entire circumference of the bullet. Such precision is paramount for balance, which directly impacts the bullet's rotational stability and overall accuracy. An imbalanced bullet will "wobble" in flight, degrading accuracy, but the AMP jacket virtually eliminates this concern.
• Precision Swaged Lead Core: The lead core within the AMP jacket is swaged to exacting tolerances. This process ensures a uniform core density, which is critical for consistent weight distribution and, consequently, consistent ballistic performance. Combined with the AMP jacket, this creates a bullet with an incredibly stable center of gravity.

Understanding the Ballistic Advantage: BC, Sectional Density, and More

When evaluating a long-range bullet, specific technical metrics are crucial. The Hornady ELD Match 7mm 162 gr excels in these areas:

• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): At a G1 BC of .670, this 162-grain bullet boasts an exceptional ballistic coefficient for its class. The BC quantifies a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance. A higher BC indicates less drag, meaning the bullet flies flatter, drifts less in the wind, and retains more energy downrange. For competitive shooters, a high BC translates directly to fewer corrections needed for wind and drop, simplifying shot execution and increasing hit probability.
• Sectional Density (SD): With a sectional density of .287, this bullet offers a favorable combination of weight and diameter, contributing to its stability and energy retention. SD is a measure of a bullet's mass in relation to its cross-sectional area, influencing its ability to penetrate and retain velocity.
• Weight (162 gr): The 162-grain weight is a sweet spot for many 7mm cartridges, including the popular 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm WSM, 28 Nosler, and even custom 7mm precision cartridges. This weight, combined with the ELD Match design, allows for excellent velocity while maintaining a high BC, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of long-range applications.
• Diameter (.284): The precise .284-inch diameter ensures optimal bore fit for 7mm rifles, contributing to consistent muzzle velocity and minimal gas bypass, both critical for accuracy.

The Real-World Impact: Consistency and Competitive Edge

For competitive shooters, "consistency" isn't just a buzzword; it's the bedrock of success. The Hornady ELD Match bullets are engineered for extreme consistency, not only from bullet to bullet within a single box but also from lot to lot. This means that once you develop a precise load for your rifle with these bullets, you can expect that performance to be repeatable across different batches of bullets purchased over time. This reliability is invaluable for serious competitors who spend countless hours perfecting their craft and rely on their equipment to perform identically every single time.

Imagine stepping onto the firing line at a major match. You've practiced, perfected your technique, and carefully crafted your ammunition. The last thing you need is an inconsistent bullet throwing off your wind calls or drop calculations. With Hornady ELD Match bullets, you gain a tangible competitive advantage. You can trust that the trajectory you've calculated and the wind corrections you've practiced will hold true, allowing you to focus purely on fundamental shooting mechanics and environmental factors.

Perfect for the Precision Reloader

The Hornady ELD Match 7mm 162 gr bullet (SKU: 28403, UPC: 090255284034) is an ideal component for the dedicated precision reloader. Available in convenient 100-count boxes, or by the case (15 boxes per case) for high-volume users, these bullets provide the ultimate foundation for developing match-winning ammunition. Reloaders appreciate the uniform bullet diameter, consistent weight, and precise tip geometry, all of which contribute to less variation in finished cartridge dimensions and, ultimately, superior accuracy.

When developing loads, careful consideration of your rifle's twist rate is essential. For the 7mm .284 162 gr bullet, a barrel twist rate of 1:9.50" (or faster, such as 1:9", 1:8.5", or 1:8") is generally recommended to adequately stabilize this projectile for optimal long-range performance. A properly stabilized bullet will fly true, minimizing precession and maximizing accuracy.

Applications: Where Does the ELD Match Shine?

While designed for "Match" applications, the precision and consistency of the Hornady ELD Match 7mm 162 gr bullet make it an outstanding choice for a variety of demanding shooting scenarios:

• Competitive Target Shooting: This is its primary domain. Whether it's F-Class, Benchrest, Precision Rifle Series (PRS), National Rifle League (NRL), or other long-range disciplines, the ELD Match offers the aerodynamic efficiency and consistency required to excel.
• Extreme Long Range (ELR) Shooting: Pushing the boundaries past 1,000 yards demands bullets with exceptional BCs and stability. The 162 gr ELD Match in 7mm is well-suited for these challenges, maintaining velocity and energy over vast distances.
• Load Development and Testing: For those meticulously working up new loads for their precision rifles, the ELD Match serves as a benchmark for accuracy and consistency, allowing reloaders to isolate and fine-tune other variables like powder charge and seating depth.
• Advanced Recreational Shooting: Even if you're not competing, the satisfaction of consistently hitting small targets at extended ranges is immense. The ELD Match enhances this experience, making long-range practice more rewarding and less frustrating.

Investing in high-quality components like the Hornady ELD Match bullets is a critical step for anyone serious about elevating their long-range shooting performance. Their innovative design, meticulous manufacturing, and proven track record make them a top-tier choice for achieving remarkable accuracy and consistency, shot after shot, match after match. Find your supply of Hornady ELD Match bullets today at DEGuns and unlock the full potential of your long-range rifle system.

Product Specifications: Hornady ELD Match 7mm .284 162 gr

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	ELD Match
Caliber	7mm
Bullet Diameter	.284"
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-Match
Bullet Weight	162 gr (grains)
Bullet Tip Material	Polymer (Heat Shield Technology)
Bullet Coating	Copper
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process)
Cannelure	No
Ballistic Coefficient	.670 (G1)
Sectional Density	.287
Recommended Twist	1:9.50"
Application	Match / Target
Rounds Per Box	100
Boxes Per Case	15
SKU	28403
UPC	090255284034