Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum Ammunition with Hornady ELD-X 220 Grain Bullet

For hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts who demand the absolute pinnacle of ballistic performance, precision, and terminal effectiveness, the Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum ammunition loaded with the 220 grain Hornady ELD-X bullet represents a powerful and intelligent choice. This isn't merely another box of cartridges; it's a meticulously engineered system designed to deliver unparalleled speed, devastating energy, and pinpoint accuracy, transforming challenging long-range shots into confident, ethical harvests.

This ammunition is specifically engineered for those who face demanding hunting scenarios, such as pursuing large North American game like elk, moose, or caribou across vast, open landscapes, or venturing into the realm of African plains game where robust stopping power and extended reach are paramount. If your goal is to push the boundaries of conventional hunting distances, or you simply seek the peace of mind that comes from knowing your ammunition possesses an extreme margin of power and precision, then the Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum with ELD-X is precisely what you need.

What Defines the Weatherby Select Plus Ammunition Line?

The Weatherby Select Plus series is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to velocity, power, and accuracy, principles deeply ingrained in the Weatherby legacy. For decades, Weatherby has been synonymous with magnum performance, designing cartridges that redefine what's possible in the field. The Select Plus line takes this heritage and pairs it with the most advanced, high-performance bullets from leading manufacturers, ensuring that every round is optimized for specific hunting and shooting applications. This particular loading, featuring the Hornady ELD-X, is a prime example of this philosophy in action. It combines the raw, unadulterated power of the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum with a state-of-the-art projectile known for its exceptional ballistics and terminal performance.

The core promise of Weatherby Select Plus is to provide the flattest shooting, hardest hitting, and most accurate factory ammunition available. This is achieved through careful component selection, stringent quality control, and an understanding of the intricate relationship between cartridge design, powder charge, and bullet characteristics. When you load Weatherby Select Plus into your rifle, you're not just chambering a round; you're loading decades of ballistic innovation.

Understanding the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum: A True Powerhouse

The .30-378 Weatherby Magnum is not a cartridge for the faint of heart or the inexperienced shooter. Introduced in 1996, it was designed to be the fastest production .30-caliber cartridge in the world. Based on the .378 Weatherby Magnum case necked down to accept .308-inch bullets, it boasts an immense powder capacity, allowing it to propel heavy bullets at astonishing velocities. This translates directly to a remarkably flat trajectory over extended distances and tremendous energy delivery on target.

Key Characteristics of the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum:

• Unrivaled Velocity: Often exceeding 3,000 feet per second with heavier bullets, it minimizes bullet drop and wind drift at long ranges.
• Devastating Energy: With muzzle energies often surpassing 4,500 foot-pounds, it delivers incredible stopping power, making it suitable for even the largest and toughest game animals.
• Flat Trajectory: The high velocity results in minimal bullet drop, simplifying trajectory compensation and increasing practical hit probability at extended distances.
• Precision Potential: Despite its power, the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum is known for its inherent accuracy in well-built rifles, making it a favorite among serious long-range hunters.

This cartridge is purpose-built for scenarios where every foot per second and every foot-pound of energy matters. It’s an ideal choice for open country hunting where shots can stretch beyond 400 yards, requiring a cartridge that can buck wind and retain energy effectively.

The Hornady ELD-X Bullet: Engineered for Extreme Long-Range Performance

The selection of the 220 grain Hornady ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding) bullet for this Weatherby Select Plus loading is a strategic move that perfectly complements the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum's capabilities. The ELD-X bullet is a technologically advanced hunting projectile that bridges the gap between match-grade accuracy and reliable terminal performance on game at a wide range of velocities, from close encounters to extreme distances.

What Makes the Hornady ELD-X Bullet Stand Out?

1. Heat Shield® Tip: This revolutionary polymer tip is crucial. Unlike standard polymer tips that can melt and deform due to aerodynamic heating during flight, the Heat Shield® Tip retains its shape, maintaining the bullet's ballistic coefficient (BC) throughout its entire trajectory. This ensures consistent, predictable flight and accuracy, especially at extreme ranges where even minor tip deformation can lead to significant deviation.
2. Streamlined Secant Ogive and Optimized Boattail: The bullet's profile is meticulously designed for superior aerodynamic efficiency. This high BC translates to less wind drift and more retained velocity and energy downrange, which is vital for ethical kills at extended distances.
3. Concentric Jacketing: Hornady employs a manufacturing process that ensures near-perfect concentricity of the jacket. This uniform wall thickness guarantees optimal bullet balance, contributing to exceptional accuracy.
4. InterLock® Ring (Specific to ELD-X design for controlled expansion): While the ELD-X doesn't have a traditional exposed InterLock ring like some other Hornady bullets, its internal design promotes controlled expansion. The thick shank of the bullet jacket and the lead core are engineered to expand reliably upon impact, creating a large wound channel while retaining sufficient weight for deep penetration. This design ensures that the bullet performs effectively whether impacting at high velocities (up close) or lower velocities (at long range).

The 220 grain weight is particularly well-suited for the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum, providing excellent sectional density for deep penetration on large game, while still leveraging the cartridge's impressive velocity potential. This combination ensures that the bullet delivers maximum energy and creates a devastating wound channel, leading to quick and humane incapacitation.

Real-World Applications and Why This Ammunition Excels

When considering premium ammunition, users often ask: "What specific problems does this solve?" or "Is this the best ammunition for my hunting trip?" Here’s how the Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum 220 gr Hornady ELD-X answers those questions:

• For Long-Range Elk and Moose Hunters: If you're planning a hunt in vast, open Western landscapes where shots can easily exceed 400 or even 600 yards, this ammunition provides the flat trajectory and retained energy necessary to make ethical shots. The 220 grain ELD-X ensures deep penetration and reliable expansion on heavy-boned animals.
• For African Plains Game Hunters: When pursuing large plains game like Eland, Kudu, or Gemsbok, the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum delivers the kinetic energy and bullet construction required for effective one-shot stops. The ELD-X performs across a wide range of impact velocities encountered on such hunts.
• For Precision Target Shooters (seeking maximum velocity): While primarily a hunting round, the inherent accuracy of the ELD-X and the speed of the .30-378 Wby Mag make it an interesting choice for those who enjoy pushing ballistic limits in extreme long-range target shooting, though recoil will be significant.
• Mitigating Environmental Factors: The high velocity and excellent ballistic coefficient of this load significantly reduce the impact of wind drift and bullet drop, which are the primary challenges in long-range shooting. This means less guesswork and more predictable impacts, even in adverse conditions.
• Ethical Hunting: The combination of precision accuracy and devastating terminal performance ensures that game animals are dispatched quickly and humanely, minimizing suffering. This is a critical consideration for any responsible hunter.

Ballistic Performance: Numbers That Tell the Story

Understanding the ballistic profile of your ammunition is crucial for success. The Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Wby Mag 220 gr Hornady ELD-X delivers impressive figures that underscore its capabilities:

• Muzzle Velocity: A blistering 3050 feet per second (fps). This incredible speed is the foundation for its flat trajectory and high energy delivery.
• Muzzle Energy: An astounding 4544 foot-pounds (ft lbs). This immense energy ensures that the bullet carries significant stopping power, even at extended ranges.

To illustrate the trajectory, consider this: an ammunition with such high velocity and a high ballistic coefficient will exhibit minimal drop compared to standard cartridges. For instance, while exact figures vary based on rifle and atmospheric conditions, a common 100-yard zero might see a relatively flat trajectory out to 300-400 yards, with drop becoming more pronounced but still manageable with appropriate holdovers or turret adjustments at extreme ranges (e.g., 500-800 yards). The ELD-X's ability to retain velocity downrange means it also retains energy, ensuring proper expansion and penetration even at lower impact velocities experienced after long flight times.

Maximizing Performance: Tips for the Hunter and Shooter

To truly unlock the potential of Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum ammunition, consider these recommendations:

• Optics: Invest in high-quality, long-range capable optics with ample magnification, clear glass, and a reliable reticle or turrets for precise adjustments. A scope with a ballistic reticle or an exposed turret system for dialing in elevation and windage will be invaluable.
• Rifle Platform: Ensure your rifle is chambered specifically for the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum and is capable of handling the recoil and pressure. A rifle with a heavy barrel, good stock, and a crisp trigger will enhance accuracy.
• Recoil Management: The .30-378 Weatherby Magnum is a powerful cartridge. While Weatherby rifles are often designed with recoil-reducing features, mastering proper shooting form, utilizing a quality recoil pad, and potentially using a muzzle brake will significantly improve comfort and consistency.
• Ballistic Data and Training: Utilize a ballistic calculator to generate precise drop and windage charts for your specific rifle and ammunition combination. Practice extensively at varying distances to understand your rifle's capabilities and your own limitations. Familiarize yourself with holdovers and wind calls.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: High-pressure cartridges like the .30-378 Weatherby Magnum can lead to increased barrel wear and fouling. Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to maintain accuracy and prolong barrel life.

Why Choose Weatherby Select Plus?

When selecting ammunition for critical hunting or shooting applications, trust is paramount. Weatherby has a storied history of producing cartridges and firearms that push the boundaries of performance. The Select Plus line embodies this heritage, offering:

• Proven Performance: Each component, from the brass casing to the Hornady ELD-X bullet, is chosen for its superior quality and performance characteristics.
• Consistency: Factory-loaded ammunition offers a level of consistency in powder charge and bullet seating that is difficult to replicate at home without extensive experience and equipment. This consistency translates directly to reliability and accuracy in the field.
• Ethical Hunting: By providing the velocity, energy, and precision needed for effective long-range shots, Weatherby Select Plus helps ensure quick and humane harvests.

For those serious about their pursuit of game or their passion for long-range precision, the Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum 220 gr Hornady ELD-X ammunition offers an unmatched blend of power, accuracy, and reliability. It's an investment in confidence, knowing that when the moment of truth arrives, your ammunition is more than up to the task.

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Product Specifications: Weatherby Select Plus .30-378 Weatherby Magnum 220 gr Hornady ELD-X Ammunition

Feature	Detail
Brand	Weatherby
Model	Select Plus
Caliber	.30-378 Wby Mag
Bullet Type	Hornady ELD-X
Bullet Weight	220 gr
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	3050 fps
Muzzle Energy	4544 ft lbs
Application	Hunting
SKU	119461
MPN	H303220ELDX
UPC	747115437603