140 Berger Elite Hunter or 143 ELDX

[The_Whitetail_kid]

Hello everyone! Fixing to start working on a load for my 6.5 creedmoor, do y’all recommend using the 143 ELDX or the 140 Berger? Shots will be generally 100-200 yards at whitetail, hogs, and similar sized game. What have y’all’s results been with each and which do you think would be better? Thanks.

 

[FrogFire7]

I haven't used the Berger's, but I know from experience the Hornady 143 is TOUGH to find. Just a heads up- the Berger's may be the same way. Would suck to get started and then not be able to get more components though!

 

[Rick Richard]

Either one will get the job done. In fact at those distances mentioned most anything that you can find will work. Also, don’t forget the the HH 110 or 124 grain class projectiles. Absolutely devastating performance for the 6.5 stuff. Good luck.

 

[JAYgs8163]

Whichever one you can get your hands on will do just fine. Good luck!

 

[North Idaho Hunter]

Flip a coin - both perform wonderful at short range on whitetails!

ELD-x initiate expansion quicker (in our experiences).

Hit in the pump station deer and small game have always died within 20-50 yards for us......(Berger tends to leave larger exits at creedmoor speeds vs. the eld-x.)

 

[lancetkenyon]

For 100-300 yards, I would not worry about a high BC type bullet choice.

I would be looking at a good bonded or Mono bullet.

 

[Kimber7man]

The 130 accubond is also a good killer

 

[QuietTexan]

Shots will be generally 100-200 yards at whitetail, hogs, and similar sized game

140gn Partitions or Hammers.

There are five different Berger 140s in 6.5mm, but only one EOL which is 156gn.

 

[Darryle]

My experience with ELD-X has been tumultuous at best, all over the place performance wise, pencil holes to blowing up, my vote is Berger anything before anything ELD-X

 

[BEEMAN]

I’d probably pick the Berger. But agree with others to maybe try a bonded or mono. I’ve used the 130 AB and now the 124 HH out of my 6.5x47. Both work great on closer shots out of tree stands or box blinds.

 

[bomberodevil]

Hello everyone! Fixing to start working on a load for my 6.5 creedmoor, do y’all recommend using the 143 ELDX or the 140 Berger? Shots will be generally 100-200 yards at whitetail, hogs, and similar sized game. What have y’all’s results been with each and which do you think would be better? Thanks.

I’m deducing with the “fixing to start” and the “y’all’s”, you’re likely from Texas? If so, your deer are average size, and any good cup-n-core hunting round would be good in that range. I’d stay away from match bullets in excess of 3100+ fps from that range, and maybe scapula shots with the softer bullets. Any boiler room shot with those two bullets will be deadly. Good luck!

PS. At 100-200 yards, you’ll never take advantage of the superior ballistics of the Berger, but it will work for the game.

 

[dgpcpa]

Hello everyone! Fixing to start working on a load for my 6.5 creedmoor, do y’all recommend using the 143 ELDX or the 140 Berger? Shots will be generally 100-200 yards at whitetail, hogs, and similar sized game. What have y’all’s results been with each and which do you think would be better? Thanks.

The 143 ELD-X has always done the job for me. Good groups on paper. Dead deer on the ground.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I’m deducing with the “fixing to start” and the “y’all’s”, you’re likely from Texas? If so, your deer are average size, and any good cup-n-core hunting round would be good in that range. I’d stay away from match bullets in excess of 3100+ fps from that range, and maybe scapula shots with the softer bullets. Any boiler room shot with those two bullets will be deadly. Good luck!

PS. At 100-200 yards, you’ll never take advantage of the superior ballistics of the Berger, but it will work for the game.

Which "match bullets"? Not all are created equal.

Berger "Match" or "Target" bullets actually have thicker jackets than the "Hunting" lines.

 

[Darryle]

My hatred for the ELD-X hasn't dampened my love for their Interlock bullets. My 6.5 Creedmoor AR loves the 129gr Interlock in the American Whitetail load, shot this pig in the middle of the night, inside a feeder pen thru the wire at over 100yds, the Leica made it easy under a dim pig light mounted above the feeder.

That barrel is 24" for reference to judge the size of the boar, probably about 200 - 225lbs, maybe a little more. 1 bullet thru both shoulders and he was down and out, a second one thru the bottom of the chin ended any potential suffering.

You can see why he was a priority, he destroyed my dad's garden and yard over a about a 3 day period. There are a couple of him on the hoof a few days before he screwed up and alerted me he was on the feeder. Less than 300yds, I would find me a good bonded Interlock style bullet and rock on.