Hornady Precision Hunter, .300 Win. Mag., ELD-X, 178 Grain
Ammo Reports Team
| Official Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Cartridge | 300 Winchester Magnum |
| Product Line | Precision Hunter |
| Bullet Name / Bullet Type | ELD-X – Heat Shield tip, mechanically locked lead core |
| Bullet Weight | 178 gr |
| Manufacturer SKU | 82041 |
| UPC | Not found |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2960 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 3463 ft-lb |
| Ballistic Coefficient G1 | Not found |
| Ballistic Coefficient G7 | Not found |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer | Not found |
| Reloadable | Not found |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 in |
| Zero Distance | 200 yd |
| Sight Height | 1.5 in |
| Intended Use | Big game hunting |
| Product Status | Listed by manufacturer; production status not independently confirmed |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 300 Win. Mag. 180 gr, Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300 Win. Mag. 180 gr, Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range 300 Win. Mag. 180 gr ABLR (comparison identities/specifications require individual verification) |
Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.
Verification note: Factory table: Hornady 2025 catalog, item 82041. ELD-X uses an InterLock ring; it is not a bonded-core bullet. Unconfirmed BC values have been removed.
Ballistics Table
Manufacturer-published reference. Zero: 200 yd. Sight height: 1.5 in. Test barrel: 24 in. Only verified published rows are shown. No interpolated distances or independently calculated trajectories are included.
| Distance (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2960 | 3463 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2789 | 3075 | 1.5 |
| 200 | 2625 | 2723 | 0 |
| 300 | 2467 | 2405 | -6.6 |
| 400 | 2314 | 2111 | -18.8 |
| 500 | 2166 | 1854 | -37.6 |
Key takeaway: These are reference ballistics, not a guaranteed hunting distance. Retained energy alone does not establish expansion, penetration or suitability for a particular shot. Actual velocity and point of impact depend on the rifle, ammunition lot and conditions. Confirm the rifle’s zero and measured performance before relying on a trajectory.
The ELD-X Bullet – Why It Matters for Hunters
The ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) bullet is the central reason this load exists as a distinct product line from Hornady’s standard hunting offerings. Hornady developed the ELD-X after discovering through Doppler radar testing that standard polymer tips – including their own SST – deform aerodynamically at the elevated temperatures generated by supersonic flight, causing BC to vary unpredictably at long range.
The ELD-X tip uses a Heat Shield polymer formulation that resists aerodynamic deformation, keeping the published BC consistent throughout the bullet’s flight. This matters practically: a bullet whose BC drifts in flight produces trajectory and wind-drift predictions that diverge from reality, undermining the purpose of a long-range hunting load.
The bullet’s InterLock ring mechanically locks the core to the jacket, controlling expansion across the velocity range encountered from close shots (high velocity, fast expansion needed) to extended range shots (lower impact velocity, reliable initiation needed). No fixed minimum expansion velocity is assigned here without exact-product confirmation.
This is not a bonded bullet in the traditional chemical-bond sense – the core-to-jacket connection relies on the mechanical InterLock feature. Hunters expecting the deep penetration profile of a fully bonded projectile like the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or Nosler AccuBond should note this distinction when selecting loads for heavy-boned or dangerous game.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Big game hunting where this exact expanding-bullet load meets the needs of the hunt.
- Comparing factory ammunition in the same rifle while recording group size, velocity, lot number and conditions.
- Hunters comparing projectile construction and practical accuracy, rather than muzzle velocity alone.
Limitations:
- No fixed ethical hunting range follows from the energy column alone.
- Factory test-barrel results may differ from an individual rifle. A fixed velocity loss per inch is not assumed.
- This page does not establish lead-free certification for the exact product.
Reliability Notes
No structured AmmoReports firing-test submissions are recorded in this article. Manufacturer reference data must be kept separate from independent chronograph, accuracy and terminal-performance tests. No unverified forum consensus, accuracy guarantee, case-life estimate or claim of recall-free status is presented as a measured result.
Competitors
| Load / reference name | Listed weight | Listed bullet | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 300 Win. Mag. | 180 gr | Trophy Bonded Tip (bonded) | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
| Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond 300 Win. Mag. | 180 gr | AccuBond (bonded) | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game LR 300 Win. Mag. | 180 gr | Nosler AccuBond LR | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
| Browning BXR 300 Win. Mag. | 185 gr | BXR Rapid Expansion | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
| Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded 300 Win. Mag. | 180 gr | Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
| Hornady Outfitter 300 Win. Mag. | 178 gr | CX (lead-free, monolithic) | Identity and comparative specifications not verified |
The original comparison list is retained for identification and follow-up. Listed names, weights and projectile labels are not independently confirmed product records. Unverified BC, velocity, price and performance claims have been removed. A handload reference, if listed, is not a factory-ammunition equivalent.
Price Reality
Compare the exact cartridge, projectile, weight, SKU and package quantity before comparing offers. Box and case listings can use different UPCs. Cost per round should be calculated from a current store offer, including shipping and applicable taxes. No undated retail-price benchmark or current-stock claim is asserted here.
Where to Buy
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or editorial content.
FAQ
What exact factory load does this page cover?
Hornady Precision Hunter, 300 Winchester Magnum, 178 gr ELD-X – Heat Shield tip, mechanically locked lead core. Manufacturer identifier: 82041.
Are the ballistic figures manufacturer data or an independent test?
The table reproduces verified manufacturer-published reference values. It is not an AmmoReports firing test. Published distances are retained without interpolation.
Is this an expanding hunting bullet or a match projectile?
The identified hunting projectile is ELD-X – Heat Shield tip, mechanically locked lead core. Its construction should not be substituted with data from another bullet carrying the same weight.
Will a different barrel produce the published velocity?
Factory velocity is a reference for the stated test conditions. Barrel, chamber, ammunition lot and temperature can change the result. Measure the actual rifle; no fixed loss or gain per inch is guaranteed.
Can other magnum cartridges be substituted?
Use only the exact chambering specified by the firearm manufacturer. 300 Winchester Magnum is a distinct cartridge; a similar caliber name, bullet diameter or magnum designation does not establish interchangeability.
Related Ammo Reports
- Remington Core-Lokt Tipped, 300 Win. Mag., Polymer Tip, 180 Grain
- Remington Premier Long Range, 300 Win. Mag., Speer Impact, 190 Grain
- Federal Premium Gold Medal 300 Win. Mag., BTHP, 190 Grain
