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Hornady Precision Hunter 22 ARC 80 Gr ELD-X

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Ammo Reports Team 31 22 ARC

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Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.

Official-data note: Product identity, item number, box count, test-barrel length, muzzle figures, and the 0-500 yard trajectory were checked against current Hornady material. BC values are from Hornady bullet data for the exact projectile. The UPC is retailer-listed. Case material, primer type, and reloadable status were not explicitly stated for the exact factory load.

Manufacturer: Hornady. Exact official product pages and technical documents are recorded in the editorial verification log. Any retailer-listed field is labeled.

Ballistics Table

Official Hornady manufacturer data. Test barrel: 24 inches. Manufacturer trajectory: 100-yard zero. Hornady does not list wind drift in the factory table.

Source note: Hornady publishes exact velocity, energy, and trajectory through 500 yards for SKU 81544. Hornady does not publish values beyond 500 yards or wind drift for this table, so no calculated extensions are added.

Key takeaway: Hornady lists 3,010 fps and 1,609 ft-lbs at the muzzle. At 500 yards, the factory table reports 2,108 fps, 789 ft-lbs, and 45.1 inches of drop with the manufacturer 100-yard zero.

The ELD-X Bullet and the 22 ARC Platform

The ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) bullet is one of Hornady’s most sophisticated hunting projectiles. Its defining feature is the Heat Shield tip, a polymer insert engineered to resist aerodynamic heating during flight — a deformation problem that affects conventional polymer tips at high velocities and long ranges, causing measurable BC degradation. The Heat Shield tip maintains its shape from muzzle to target, preserving the bullet’s published BC throughout the entire flight path rather than only at the muzzle.

Hornady designed the 22 ARC for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, with a maximum overall length of 2.260 inches and a 1:7-inch twist specification. The Precision Hunter item 81544 uses an 80 gr ELD-X expanding hunting bullet. Use only a firearm and magazine specifically compatible with 22 ARC.

Pairing the Precision Hunter line with the 22 ARC is a deliberate product decision. Precision Hunter is Hornady’s dedicated hunting series, optimized for terminal expansion across a wide velocity range — an important characteristic for a cartridge that may be fired from barrels ranging from 18″ to 24″, producing notably different impact velocities at hunting distances.

Best Uses

Good fit:

• Hunting applications where a 22-caliber centerfire cartridge and lead-core expanding projectile are legal and suitable
• Hunters running AR-15-platform rifles where 22-caliber centerfire use is allowed and controlled expansion is desired
• Situations requiring high BC performance from a semi-automatic platform, such as open country or prairie hunting
• Jurisdictions where lead-free is not required but premium terminal performance is a priority
• Hunters who need a load that cycles reliably in gas-operated 22 ARC rifles

Not the right tool for:

• Varmint or predator hunting where rapid fragmentation or minimal pelt damage is desired — the ELD-X is optimized for deep penetration and controlled expansion, not explosive upset
• Hunting areas where current regulations require lead-free projectiles, because ELD-X contains a lead core
• Elk, moose, or other large heavy-boned game, where a heavier, deeper-penetrating bullet in a larger caliber is more appropriate
• Budget-conscious shooters using this as a practice or volume round, because it is a premium hunting load rather than bulk training ammunition
• Hunters needing confirmed factory ballistic data for precise long-range doping — official specs are not yet fully published

Reliability Notes

Hornady describes Precision Hunter ammunition as loaded for consistent performance, but no standardized manufacturer reliability-test results were found for exact factory SKU 81544 across multiple firearms. Confirm feeding, extraction, ignition, accuracy, point of impact, and terminal suitability in the specific 22 ARC rifle before hunting use.

Competitors

Price Reality

Retail prices and availability change. Compare the current store listings below and verify item 81544 and the exact 20-round package before purchase. Price is not used to determine the technical data or editorial conclusion.

Where to Buy

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