Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X: Elevating Your Long-Range Hunting Performance

For serious hunters who demand unwavering precision and devastating terminal performance across extended ranges, the Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-X) ammunition, identified by SKU 82002, stands as a premier choice. This meticulously engineered rifle ammunition addresses the critical challenges faced by modern hunters: achieving consistent, ethical kills from close quarters out to truly formidable distances, even when environmental factors like wind and temperature play a significant role. If you've ever questioned whether your ammunition can deliver the accuracy and stopping power needed for that once-in-a-lifetime shot on a trophy elk or a distant mule deer, the Hornady Precision Hunter 82002 provides a definitive answer.

This ammunition isn't just about raw power; it's about intelligent design that harmonizes cutting-edge ballistics with devastating on-target effects. Hunters seeking to maximize the potential of their .300 Winchester Magnum rifle for medium to large game, or those simply looking for the most reliable and consistent hunting ammunition available, will find the 200 grain ELD-X bullet to be an indispensable asset. It’s engineered to perform under diverse conditions, making it an ideal companion for varied hunting terrains, from open plains to dense forests.

The Science Behind Unrivaled Accuracy and Terminal Performance

The exceptional performance of Hornady Precision Hunter 82002 stems from a suite of proprietary technologies that work in concert to deliver superior results. Every component, from the bullet itself to the brass casing and propellant, is optimized for peak efficiency.

The Revolutionary Heat Shield Tip

At the heart of the ELD-X bullet's extraordinary long-range capabilities is the innovative Heat Shield tip. Unlike traditional polymer tips that can melt and deform under the extreme aerodynamic heating encountered during flight, especially over long distances, the Heat Shield tip resists these effects. Why is this crucial for a hunter?

• Maintained Ballistic Coefficient (BC): By retaining its perfectly sharp and aerodynamic shape throughout the bullet's entire trajectory, the Heat Shield tip ensures the bullet maintains its highest-in-class BC. A consistent BC means predictable flight paths, less bullet drop, and significantly reduced wind drift. For a hunter, this translates directly to greater accuracy and confidence in shot placement at extended ranges, where even minor deviations can lead to a missed shot or, worse, a wounded animal.
• Consistent Performance: This consistent shape and BC ensure that the bullet performs as designed, whether the shot is 100 yards or 800 yards. This reliability is paramount for ethical hunting, guaranteeing that the bullet delivers its energy and expands effectively upon impact, regardless of the distance.

Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-X) Bullet Design

The ELD-X bullet itself is a marvel of aerodynamic engineering, designed for both long-range precision and devastating terminal performance.

• Streamlined Secant Ogive: This advanced bullet profile minimizes drag as the bullet cuts through the air, contributing to its high ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory. A less disrupted airflow means the bullet retains more velocity over distance, which is critical for both energy delivery and consistent expansion.
• Optimum Boattail Design: The boattail reduces base drag, further enhancing the bullet's aerodynamic efficiency and stability in flight. This design feature works in tandem with the secant ogive to create a bullet that flies true and resists external influences like crosswinds.
• Highly Concentric AMP® Bullet Jackets: The Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) produces virtually perfect concentric bullet jackets. This uniformity is vital for consistent accuracy, as it ensures an even distribution of weight around the bullet's axis, preventing wobbles or yaw that can degrade precision. For the hunter, this means tighter groups and more reliable hits on target.

Engineered for Consistent Expansion and Weight Retention

The true test of a hunting bullet lies in its terminal performance—how it behaves upon impact with game. The Hornady 82002 Precision Hunter excels here, offering a two-stage expansion process tailored for different impact velocities:

• High Velocity Impacts (0-400 Yards): Upon striking game at higher velocities, the ELD-X bullet initiates rapid expansion. The thick shank of the jacket and the high InterLock ring work together to maintain structural integrity, keeping the core and jacket fused. This robust construction results in significant 50-60% weight retention, ensuring deep penetration and the creation of large, devastating wound cavities. This rapid energy transfer and substantial tissue damage lead to quick, humane kills.
• Low Velocity Impacts (400+ Yards): At extended ranges where velocity naturally diminishes, the Heat Shield tip plays a secondary, yet equally critical, role. Upon low velocity impact, the tip is driven backward into the bullet's core, initiating controlled expansion. This ensures that even at velocities typically considered low for bullet expansion, the ELD-X bullet still mushrooms reliably. It exhibits controlled expansion with a large mushroom, and impressively, retains 85-90% of its original weight. This deep penetration and retained mass are vital for reaching vital organs on large, resilient game at long distances.

The ability of the ELD-X bullet to perform reliably across a broad spectrum of impact velocities sets it apart, providing hunters with a versatile and dependable option for any shot opportunity that arises.

The .300 Winchester Magnum: A Legendary Hunting Cartridge

The .300 Winchester Magnum is revered globally as one of the most versatile and powerful big-game hunting cartridges. Known for its flat trajectory and substantial knockdown power, it is a favorite for pursuing everything from deer and elk to moose and brown bear. When paired with the Hornady 82002 Precision Hunter 200 gr ELD-X, the .300 Win Mag's capabilities are truly maximized.

• Optimal Bullet Weight: The 200-grain bullet weight is an excellent choice for the .300 Win Mag. It strikes a superb balance between carrying energy efficiently over long distances and delivering a formidable impact. Lighter bullets might offer higher initial velocity but shed energy faster, while heavier bullets can have more pronounced trajectories at extreme ranges. The 200-grain ELD-X capitalizes on the .300 Win Mag's case capacity and power to deliver an ideal blend of velocity and mass.
• Impressive Ballistics: With a muzzle velocity of 2850 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 3607 foot-pounds (ft lbs), this load delivers tremendous power downrange. This energy ensures that the bullet carries sufficient force to humanely dispatch large game, even at distances where lesser cartridges might falter. The high velocity also contributes to a flatter trajectory, simplifying aiming solutions for long-range engagements.
• Versatile Game Application: While it shines on robust animals like elk, moose, and bear due to its deep penetration and controlled expansion, the 200 gr ELD-X is also highly effective for larger deer species such as mule deer and large whitetails, ensuring a clean, ethical harvest.

Who Will Benefit Most from Hornady Precision Hunter 82002?

This ammunition is specifically designed for discerning hunters who:

• Hunt Big Game: Especially those targeting medium to large game like elk, moose, red stag, or large African plains game, where robust bullet construction and deep penetration are paramount.
• Engage in Long-Range Hunting: Hunters who frequently take shots beyond 300 yards will appreciate the ELD-X’s superior ballistics, reduced wind drift, and reliable expansion at lower velocities.
• Prioritize Ethical Kills: The consistent expansion and high weight retention ensure maximum energy transfer and tissue damage, leading to swift, humane incapacitation of game.
• Demand Precision and Consistency: Shooters who invest in high-quality rifles and optics will find that this ammunition allows them to fully realize their equipment's potential, delivering repeatable accuracy shot after shot.
• Seek Versatility: For hunters who might encounter shots from close range to very long distances within the same outing, the two-stage expansion capability provides peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X

To further assist hunters in understanding the capabilities of this exceptional ammunition, here are answers to some common inquiries:

Is Hornady Precision Hunter suitable for hunting elk?
Absolutely. The Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X is an outstanding choice for elk. Its high muzzle energy, deep penetration, and reliable expansion (especially at extended ranges) ensure that it can ethically harvest even the largest bull elk. The 200-grain bullet weight provides the necessary mass to break through heavy bone and reach vital organs.

What is the effective range of this ammunition?
While actual effective range depends on the shooter's skill and rifle's capabilities, the Hornady Precision Hunter with its ELD-X bullet is designed for ethical performance well beyond 500 yards. The Heat Shield tip and aerodynamic design help maintain sufficient velocity and energy for reliable expansion and precision out to significant distances, making 700-800 yards achievable for experienced marksmen in optimal conditions.

How does the ELD-X bullet compare to other hunting bullets?
The ELD-X bullet distinguishes itself by combining match-grade accuracy (due to its high BC and AMP jacket) with reliable terminal performance specifically engineered for hunting. Unlike some target bullets that might not expand on game, or some traditional hunting bullets that lose their aerodynamic efficiency at long range, the ELD-X offers the best of both worlds: superior long-range flight characteristics and guaranteed expansion upon impact at a wide range of velocities.

What kind of accuracy can I expect from Hornady Precision Hunter 82002?
Hornady ammunition is renowned for its consistency and accuracy. While individual rifle performance varies, hunters can typically expect sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups with a quality rifle and proper shooting technique. This level of precision is critical for confident shot placement on game, especially at longer distances.

Is the .300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X suitable for smaller game like deer?
While highly effective and capable of clean kills on deer, the .300 Win Mag is a powerful cartridge. For typical deer hunting distances, it might be considered overkill by some, potentially causing extensive meat damage if shot placement isn't precise. However, for large-bodied deer (like mature bucks) or long-range deer hunting, it is an excellent and highly ethical choice.

What does "Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-X)" mean?
"Extremely Low Drag" refers to the bullet's superior aerodynamic efficiency, which results in a high ballistic coefficient, flatter trajectory, and less susceptibility to wind drift. "eXpanding" indicates that the bullet is designed to reliably expand upon impact with game, transferring its energy effectively for humane kills.

How many rounds are in a box, and how many boxes in a case?
Each box of Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X (UPC: 090255820027) contains 20 rounds. For those looking to stock up or for bulk purchases, there are 10 boxes per case, totaling 200 rounds of premium hunting ammunition.

In conclusion, the Hornady Precision Hunter 300 Win Mag 200 gr ELD-X (SKU 82002) represents a pinnacle in modern hunting ammunition. Its blend of innovative bullet technology, exceptional accuracy, and reliable terminal performance makes it the ideal choice for any hunter who refuses to compromise on quality and seeks to achieve the most ethical and effective results in the field. For those who demand the best for their .300 Winchester Magnum rifle, this load delivers unparalleled confidence and capability.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Precision Hunter
Caliber	300 Win Mag
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding (ELD-X)
Bullet Weight	200 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2850 fps
Muzzle Energy	3607 ft lbs
Application	Hunting
Game Type	Medium to Large Game
Casing Material	Brass
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	82002
UPC	090255820027