What Bullet to Choose

[kyreloader]

I will be hunting this fall with a newly built light weight hunting rifle chambered in 7-6.5PRC with 18 inch barrel. I plan to shoot suppressed for whitetail hunting. I will be hunting both from blinds/stands with shot distances from 50 yards to agricultural fields with shot distances out to 600 yards.

I am trying to decide between the 162g Hornady ELD-X and the 162g Hornady ELD-M.

My preferred shot placement is behind the shoulder and I usually wait for that presentation before firing. I also like for the animal to not run very far due to small plots of land abutting the land that I have permission to hunt.

The muzzle velocity for these bullets is right at 2700 fps. Both bullets will give >1800 fps and > 1000 ft/lbs of energy out to 650 yards if needed.

Please do not reply with other bullet suggestions, as I have these bullets (do not plan to try others) and would like to pick one and practice this summer with the load to be ready for the November season.

Feel free to add past experiences with either of these bullets for whitetail sized game if it adds to the discussion.

Thanks is advance.

 

[kyreloader]

No thoughts or experiences?

 

[K22]

I have no experience with either of these bullets or that caliber. However, I have over 50 years' experience hunting white tail deer.

If both bullets are designed for big game hunting, I don't believe it matters which one you use regarding terminal performance.

You already are on positive ground ahead of the "herd", first by willing to practice and second being patient for a double lung shot. A double lung shot or spine shot will limit the distance the deer can run.

However, I have never shot a deer at over 185 yards let alone 650 yards. The latter requires some special skills to make a humane shot. If you can prove through your practice regime that you can consistently hit the vital area at those distances, then you should be on solid ground.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I will use, the 143 grain ELD- X's to Hunt with, in My 6.5 Creedmoor due to, the MUCH Thicker Jacket = More Penetration, IF needing, 2 Holes on Big Game. I Shoot Berger's for Elk and Hornady Bullets for, Deer / Antelope.
My son used, the 150 gr. ELD-X, in his 7MM-08, to put Down, a Nice Bull Elk @ 247 yds, a couple of Years ago,..
getting, Deep Penetration ! I'd use the 162 gr. ELD- X's, IF,.. they Group "Well" in Your Rifle !
The "M's" have a much thinner Jacket and would be Fine, IF you Knew you were shooting, LONG Range, ONLY !
And IF, you could Guarantee that, BONE would NOT, be Hit, as M's, ARE, a "Soft" Bullet and can be, Explosive.

 

[dthomas]

I've shot a couple of deer with the 162 eldm out of a saum. Both were just over 100 yards, both were pass throughs with one dropping where it was shot and the other not going far with a good blood trail.

 

[Webster]

I will be hunting this fall with a newly built light weight hunting rifle chambered in 7-6.5PRC with 18 inch barrel. I plan to shoot suppressed for whitetail hunting. I will be hunting both from blinds/stands with shot distances from 50 yards to agricultural fields with shot distances out to 600 yards.

I am trying to decide between the 162g Hornady ELD-X and the 162g Hornady ELD-M.

My preferred shot placement is behind the shoulder and I usually wait for that presentation before firing. I also like for the animal to not run very far due to small plots of land abutting the land that I have permission to hunt.

The muzzle velocity for these bullets is right at 2700 fps. Both bullets will give >1800 fps and > 1000 ft/lbs of energy out to 650 yards if needed.

Please do not reply with other bullet suggestions, as I have these bullets (do not plan to try others) and would like to pick one and practice this summer with the load to be ready for the November season.

Feel free to add past experiences with either of these bullets for whitetail sized game if it adds to the discussion.

Thanks is advance.

Don't know if the ELD-M would put a deer down real quick? It isn't made to expand.

Per Hornady website:
The 162-x is a hunting bullet
The 162 ELD-M is a match bullet.

 

[kyotekiller25]

I'd use the ELDM personally. It will probably shoot better and do everything you need on whitetail deer.

 

[kyreloader]

Thanks to all for their replies.

 

[TrapperBR549]

If you don't want them to run shoot them through the shoulders with the X or through the lungs with the M.