Hornady ELD-X Official Thread

I have some first day results on 175 in 7mag with IMR 7977. Rifle is Stiller action, 26" 4 groove, 9 twist Kreiger #4 built by Clayton @ West Texas Ordnance. It is a tight neck and Norma brass was turned to .0135", once fired and annealed w/ Fed 215 primers. I used Hodgdon data for 175 gr. and worked up the food chain from 64.5 to 69.5 grs. of IMR 7977 in 1/2 gr. increments. All loads were .010" off the lands. I found accuracy nodes @ 66.0 to 67.5 and @ 69.0 to 69.5 grs. The lower node averaged a 4 SD & 7 ED @ an average velocity of 2799 fps. The higher node was coming around real well, when I reached my last load ( of 69.5 grs.). SD was 12.2 and ED of 21 @ 2905 fps. As far as groups go, I was getting two touching and one about 1" out in these nodes. I pulled a couple, but I think seating depth will be my next test. All were 5 shot groups @ 100, measured on LabRadar. I also have plenty of Retumbo and Reloader 26, so it was hard to choose, but I've been getting tiny EDs with the 162 Amax and IMR 7977. Hope this helps someone, as data is tough to find. As always, start low and work up SAFELY. I had a faint smear @ 69.5 on one case, but no hard bolt lift or primer cratering.
 
I have some first day results on 175 in 7mag with IMR 7977....

That's an amazing amount of information.

What do you mean by a "smear" on the case? I assume it is a sign of pressure but I don't think I know what it looks like.

Thanks!

~Robert
 
Yes, where the ejector rubs the case head, most often the first sign you are nearing unsafe pressures with a load. When this rifle was brand-new, I had this sign at starting loads, because of a blemish on ejector pin. My Smith polished it out, so I now use it as one of the signs of potential high pressure. You will also see fine brass shavings on bolt face.
 
Ok so now that we have had some time to play with these for a while what have you concluded? I have shot hundreds of Amaxes in both 338 Lapua and 7mm mag out to 850 yards ( max at our range). Now I have shot hundreds of ELDs in both calibers as well. No improvement in group size. In fact I have shot better groups with Amaxes in both calibers (probably because I've shot more amax groups) So...melting tips? What has been your experience?
 
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