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

Whitetail Deer In Greenery
Whitetail Deer In Greenery

Watch Your Local Deer Herd for EHD

As a part of your summertime scouting, make sure to look out for signs of EHD among your local deer herd. Frank Miniter has spotted some on his own scouting tips, and gives some information about the disease.

Federal Signs Agreement with U.S. Army to Accelerate High-Performance Ammunition

Federal Ammunition has announced an agreement that allows the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology for use in multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The new agreement specifies conditions necessary prior to granting Government Purpose Rights, such as the delivery of 40-million cases featuring the new technology.

NRA Announces 2026 Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship Recipients

The National Rifle Association has awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to attendees of the 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program.

Recipe: Venison Empanadas

When Brad Fenson makes venison empanadas, the goal is simple. Keep the meat front and center, add enough flavor to complement it, and make a filling that stays juicy without overpowering the wild proteins. The filling is rich, balanced, and built to highlight venison, whether baked or fried.

Proof Research Unveils Shorter Barrels for Elevation 2.0 and MTR 2.0

Proof Research has announced shorter-barrel configurations for the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0. Both the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 in shorter barrel configurations are available in Tactical Flat Dark Earth (TFDE) and the all-new Midnight color, offering shooters greater customization options alongside Proof Research's carbon fiber technology.

Range Review: Midwest Industries Bounty Hunter Revolver Brace

Thanks to Midwest Industries new Revolver Brace, you can easily mount a stabilizing brace to your favorite hunting revolvers. Check out B. Gil Horman's review of this game-changing product.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.