Introduction
The pursuit of accuracy is a cornerstone of the shooting sports. Whether it’s for competitive target shooting, long-range hunting, or simply honing one’s skills at the range, the quality of ammunition plays a critical role. Within the realm of precision shooting, the bullet itself is a fundamental component, dictating both trajectory and terminal performance. The .30-caliber has long been a favorite among shooters, prized for its versatility and inherent accuracy potential. And when it comes to choosing the right bullet for this powerful caliber, the options can seem vast. However, a name consistently rises to the top for its consistent performance and precision: the Hornady 168 ELD Match.
This article delves into a comprehensive examination of the Hornady 168 ELD Match bullet. We will explore its design, ballistic characteristics, performance in real-world applications, and compare it to other popular choices. The goal is to provide a complete overview, helping shooters determine whether this bullet is the right choice for their specific needs and goals.
Understanding the Hornady 168 ELD Match
The Hornady 168 ELD Match bullet represents a pinnacle of bullet technology, carefully crafted for unparalleled precision. The “ELD” in its name, which stands for “Elite – Extremely Low Drag,” speaks volumes about its design philosophy. The ELD Match line is engineered from the ground up to maximize ballistic efficiency, maintain downrange velocity, and deliver exceptional accuracy.
This specific bullet, weighing 168 grains, has become an absolute favorite for many .30-caliber rifle enthusiasts. The 168-grain weight is a sweet spot for many common .30-caliber cartridges, including the ubiquitous .308 Winchester and the time-tested .30-06 Springfield. It offers a balance between sufficient mass for good downrange performance and a relatively high ballistic coefficient, allowing for flat trajectories and reduced wind drift. Its popularity is well-deserved, particularly in situations where pinpoint accuracy is crucial.
But what makes the Hornady 168 ELD Match stand out from the crowd? The answer lies in its carefully engineered design features.
Key Design Elements of the Bullet
The precision of a bullet is determined by its design, and the Hornady 168 ELD Match incorporates several innovative features.
The tip of the Hornady 168 ELD Match is a crucial component: the ELD-Match Heat Shield Tip. This tip isn’t just a cosmetic addition; it’s a crucial element. Created from a proprietary heat-resistant polymer, this tip is designed to maintain its shape and structural integrity throughout the bullet’s flight. This consistency is particularly critical at longer distances, where even slight variations in bullet shape can drastically affect accuracy. The Heat Shield tip mitigates the effects of aerodynamic heating, which can deform traditional polymer tips, thereby ensuring consistent ballistic performance. This results in a tighter group size and a greater probability of hitting the intended target.
The ogive, or the curved front section of the bullet, has a secant design. This profile is optimized for its high ballistic coefficient. The secant ogive promotes a smoother transition through the air, further reducing drag and maximizing downrange velocity retention. The shape helps create stability in flight.
The jacket of the Hornady 168 ELD Match features a meticulously crafted AMP® (Advanced Manufacturing Process) design. This process ensures that the jacket is extremely uniform in thickness, with exceptional concentricity – the alignment of the bullet’s core with its jacket. This high degree of precision contributes directly to enhanced accuracy. Uniformity in the jacket minimizes imbalances and helps ensure that the bullet spins smoothly and consistently upon leaving the barrel.
The boat tail design on the rear of the bullet is another key factor. This shape tapers the bullet’s base, further decreasing drag by reducing the low-pressure zone created behind the bullet in flight. This streamlined design helps the Hornady 168 ELD Match maintain its velocity over greater distances, making it a particularly suitable choice for long-range applications.
Ballistic Performance
The true test of any bullet is its ballistic performance. The Hornady 168 ELD Match has been meticulously designed to excel in this area.
One of the most important figures related to a bullet’s ballistic performance is its ballistic coefficient, or BC. The BC quantifies a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. A higher BC indicates that a bullet is more efficient at retaining velocity. The Hornady 168 ELD Match boasts a high BC, allowing it to maintain velocity and resist wind drift, particularly when compared to its competition.
In practice, the high BC translates into flatter trajectories, less wind drift, and more retained energy downrange. The Hornady 168 ELD Match’s performance is consistently praised for its ability to maintain a stable flight path and deliver consistent results, even in challenging conditions.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
The Hornady 168 ELD Match truly shines in practical applications.
Target shooters and competition enthusiasts often select the Hornady 168 ELD Match because of its consistent accuracy potential. Whether shooting at paper targets, steel plates, or engaging in precision rifle competitions, the predictable flight characteristics and tight grouping ability of this bullet are highly valued. Many shooters report achieving impressive group sizes at distances from 100 yards out to 600 yards and beyond.
Some hunters may also choose the Hornady 168 ELD Match for hunting, given its accuracy and high BC, and it has been known to perform well on game when impact velocities are sufficient. The 168-grain weight is well-suited for medium-sized game species at ranges where controlled expansion and penetration are achievable. Of course, the user must be certain the cartridge they are using generates sufficient terminal ballistics to produce a clean kill. The user must also check all legal and regulatory guidelines for the use of such bullets.
Loading Data and Considerations
When reloading ammunition with the Hornady 168 ELD Match, it’s essential to adhere to safe reloading practices and consult reputable reloading manuals. The specific powder charges, primer types, and overall cartridge lengths will vary based on the rifle and the specific powder being used. Always begin with the minimum recommended load and gradually increase the charge while watching for signs of pressure.
Different powders can produce varying velocities and performance characteristics. Popular powder choices for the Hornady 168 ELD Match in the .308 Winchester may include those from brands such as Hodgdon or Alliant, but this will vary depending on the shooter’s individual goals. It’s also essential to experiment with seating depth to find the optimal combination for accuracy with a particular rifle. A chronograph can be very useful for tracking velocity.
Reloading is a process that demands attention to detail. By carefully documenting each step and maintaining meticulous records, reloaders can often fine-tune their loads to achieve truly outstanding accuracy with the Hornady 168 ELD Match.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Hornady 168 ELD Match has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Acknowledging these points is critical for assessing its overall suitability.
The pros of the Hornady 168 ELD Match are numerous. First and foremost, the high ballistic coefficient allows for remarkable long-range performance. Its inherent accuracy potential, fostered by the design, gives consistent results. The consistent performance of the bullet is consistently praised by shooters. Moreover, the Hornady 168 ELD Match is readily available and typically offered at a competitive price point compared to some other premium match bullets. This balance of performance and value makes it a popular choice for many shooters.
However, the bullet has a few drawbacks. It might not be the best choice for all hunting applications, especially on heavier game, because of its construction which could lead to unsatisfactory expansion and penetration at varying distances. The performance of the bullet can also be somewhat affected by wind, particularly at longer ranges, though its high BC mitigates this effect to some extent.
Comparison
How does the Hornady 168 ELD Match stack up against other popular match bullets in the same weight range?
The Sierra MatchKing, for instance, is a well-known competitor. However, the Hornady 168 ELD Match, with its Heat Shield Tip, often boasts a slightly higher ballistic coefficient. The Heat Shield tip also provides some measurable advantages for consistency at longer ranges. The MatchKing remains a very accurate choice, but many shooters have found that the Hornady 168 ELD Match offers a combination of excellent accuracy, superior ballistic performance, and, in some cases, a more user-friendly overall experience.
Conclusion
The Hornady 168 ELD Match represents a significant advancement in bullet design, particularly for long-range shooting. It’s engineered to deliver exceptional accuracy, boasting a high ballistic coefficient, a Heat Shield tip for consistent flight, and a boat tail design to reduce drag. Its performance shines in the realm of target shooting and is a viable option for certain hunting applications (subject to legal regulations and suitability).
For shooters seeking a bullet that provides both accuracy and predictability, the Hornady 168 ELD Match presents a compelling choice. The user should always ensure they are following safe practices and guidelines before using this bullet or any other type of ammunition. Whether competing at a national level, engaging in long-range practice, or simply enjoying the pleasure of precise shooting, the Hornady 168 ELD Match can be a key component in achieving the desired outcome. Consider giving the Hornady 168 ELD Match a try. You may just find that it’s the ultimate bullet for your precision shooting needs.
Resources
Hornady website ([https://www.hornady.com/](https://www.hornady.com/)) for specific product details.
Reputable reloading manuals (e.g., Hornady Reloading Handbook).
Online shooting forums, such as those hosted by AccurateShooter.com, for user reviews and data.
