Thoughts on Hornady 300 Win Mag 178 ELD-X for Elk Hunting?

I’ve been doing some research about the Hornady 300 Win Mag with 178 grain ELD-X bullets, especially for elk hunting. As many of you know, selecting the right ammunition can make a significant difference in your shooting performance and overall success in the field.

What I’m Looking For

I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has experience using this ammo for hunting. Specifically, I’d like to know:

  • Accuracy: How does it perform at long range? Any specific distances where you found it excels?
  • Terminal Performance: How effective has it been on elk? Any feedback on expansion and penetration?
  • Reloading Thoughts: If you’ve reloaded this bullet, what recipes or powder choices have you found to be the most effective?

Why Hornady?

I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews around Hornady’s ELD-X technology and how it helps maintain accuracy during various conditions. But, practical experience always speaks louder. What do you all think about this? Is it worth the investment?

Comparison with Other Choices

Also, for those who have hunted with other bullets in this caliber, how does the ELD-X stack up against them? Are there alternatives that you think might perform better for elk?

Personal Experience

If you’ve used them, I’d love to hear your stories or any tips on what to consider when using these rounds in the field. Let’s help each other out to make the most of our next hunts together!

Looking forward to your insights!

I’ve used the Hornady 300 Win Mag 178 ELD-X for elk hunting, and it has always delivered excellent accuracy. The bullet holds a tight group and consistently performs well, even at longer ranges.

That’s great to hear! I’ve been considering this ammo for some time but wanted to know more about its terminal performance. How did it perform on impact?

In my experience, the Hornady 178 ELD-X provides impressive expansion and penetration. I shot an elk at 300 yards, and the bullet created a clean exit wound and dropped the animal on the spot.

I agree with katherine27. I’ve had similar success with this round. The consistency is key; it doesn’t disappoint when you need it most in the field.

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Have any of you tried this ammo on other game besides elk? I’m curious if the terminal performance varies at all.

Yes, I’ve used it on deer as well. The 178 ELD-X caused significant damage and dropped them quickly, which was reassuring. It’s a versatile option!

That’s interesting! With how well it works on different game, do you think it’s worth using for other large animals too, like bear?

Absolutely! I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for bear hunting. The weight and design of the bullet really help with larger game.

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What about accuracy? Does the load stay consistent over distances?

Definitely! My shots have remained consistent out to 500 yards with no issues. Just make sure to practice before you head out.

I’ve read mixed reviews about Hornady’s customer service. Did anyone have to reach out to them after using this ammo?

I’ve had no issues with Hornady ammo itself, but I do think their customer service could be better. Luckily, I’ve never needed to contact them for this particular round.

Do you guys find that there are any downsides to this ammo at all? I want to make an informed choice.

I’d say the price point is a bit higher than other options, but for the performance you get, it’s worth it. The quality is hard to beat.

That’s true! Plus, one good hunt can easily make up for the cost if you’re successful!

Using it is like playing the lottery—sometimes you hit the jackpot with a perfect shot! And other times, well, you just get really good at tracking.

I’ve been using the Hornady 300 Win Mag 178 ELD-X for elk hunting for a few years now. The performance is stellar. The aerodynamic design really improves accuracy over long distances.

Absolutely! Have you experimented with different powders? I find IMR 4350 yields great velocity with this bullet.

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IMR 4350 is a good choice! I’ve also had success with H1000; it provides consistent velocities and excellent accuracy. Just watch out for pressure, though.

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