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

35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition
35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.