First Look: Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X Muzzleloader Bullet

by
posted on January 24, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Hornady Bore Driver ELD X Lead

New for 2023, Hornady announces its .50-caliber Bore Driver ELD-X bullet, taking muzzleloading rifles to new heights. Using a bullet diameter of 0.499 inches, the Bore Driver ELD-X features a large polymer tip and a polymer base of bore diameter which seals the burning gasses behind the bullet. The Bore Driver ELD-X weighs in at 340 grains, has a G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of .315, and a sectional density (SD) of .194.

Compare these features to the FTX variant of the Bore Driver, which weighs in at 290 grains, has a BC of .135 and a SD of .166, you can see where the ELD-X version has a definite advantage in a muzzleloader capable of taking shots at longer ranges, like the Traditions NitroFire. The additional weight of the ELD-X variant makes it a better choice for larger game species like elk, moose and bear.

Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullet.

The Bore Driver ELD-X uses an internal InterLock groove to lock the jacket and core together, to slow expansion while maintaining the bullet’s integrity. The polymer base locks into the boat tail base of the bullet, eliminating the need for a sabot and reducing the force needed to load the bullet, and Hornady offers special brass ramrod tips which match the profile of the Bore Driver ELD-X, to minimize chances of damaging the projectile as you load the rifle. A concentric, drawn-copper jacket helps enhance accuracy, and this bullet has given up to 21 inches of penetration of ballistic gel under laboratory tests. Give these a try in your favorite muzzleloader. Sold in 12-count boxes.

For more information, visit hornady.com.

Latest

LEDE 6.5 Creed +Peak
LEDE 6.5 Creed +Peak

First Look: 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

Looking to upgrade the ballistic performance of your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle? Federal just released a game-changing cartridge—the 6.5 Creedmoor+Peak—that does just that. And the best part is, there is no new rifle required.

Spring Bear Tactics: Why Late is Great!

Looking for tips to nab a late spring bear? Follow along with some tips from Scott Haugen.

First Look: SoundGear X Realtree Electronic Hearing Protection

SoundGear has partnered with Realtree to introduce a SoundGear Shield x Realtree Special Edition of its 93 dB product.

Range Review: TNW Firearms 1911 ASR: A .450 SMC Carbine?

This caliber-convertible PCC from TNW is designed for high-pressure loads other models can't touch.

New for 2026: XS Sights Tritium Standard Dot Front Sights for Ruger SP101

Ruger SP101 revolver owners can now upgrade their factory sights with XS's pre-drilled Tritium Standard Dot front sight for easier target acquisition.

Behind the Bullet: The .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum

If ever a handgun cartridge deserved the title “magnum”, the .460 Smith & Wesson Magnum is it. In the cartridge world, magnum is defined as a cartridge which provides a performance level exceeding the norm, and that is a perfect way to describe S&W’s big .460: it is at the top of the heap in the .45-caliber handgun cartridge family.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.