The Hornady 3078 ELD-X bullet in .308 caliber, 220 grain, is a precision hunting bullet engineered for consistent, lethal performance across all practical hunting distances. Built with Hornady's proprietary Heat Shield tip—a heat-resistant polymer that maintains its shape during flight—these .30 caliber bullets deliver the kind of accuracy and ballistic performance serious long-range hunters demand. Whether you're handloading for a precision rifle or stocking up for an extended season, the ELD-X combines match-grade consistency with field-proven expansion characteristics.

The 220 gr ELD-X is designed to perform at both conventional ranges and extended distances. From zero to 400 yards, the bullet's thin nose section initiates rapid, controlled expansion while the InterLock ring keeps the core and jacket bonded together for reliable performance. At longer ranges, where impact velocities are lower, the Heat Shield tip drives rearward into the bullet's nose cavity to initiate expansion in a way that produces deep penetration and substantial wound cavities. This dual-mode expansion philosophy means you're not choosing between close-range lethality and long-range reach—you get both.

Built as a component bullet for handloaders, the Hornady ELD-X 220 gr emphasizes the ballistic coefficients and shot-to-shot consistency that separate match bullets from standard hunting rounds. Each bullet is manufactured to exacting tolerances, so your hand-loaded ammunition performs with the precision your rifle and your hunting deserve.

Key Features

• Heat Shield tip resists aerodynamic heating to maintain ballistic coefficient and accuracy at extended range
• InterLock ring bonds core to jacket for weight retention and deep penetration
• Dual-expansion design: controlled petal expansion at conventional ranges, rear-driven expansion at extended distances
• Match-grade bullet-to-bullet and lot-to-lot consistency for handloaders
• High ballistic coefficient for flat trajectory and reduced wind drift

Specifications

Caliber	.308 / .30 cal
Weight	220 grains
Bullet Type	ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding)
Product Number	3078
Form	Component bullet for handloading

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the ELD-X and other Hornady hunting bullets?

The ELD-X features Hornady's Heat Shield tip, which is engineered to resist the aerodynamic heating that degrades conventional polymer tips in high-ballistic-coefficient bullets, especially at extended range. This maintains accuracy and BC performance beyond 400 yards. The ELD-X also uses a dual-expansion design that adapts to impact velocity—fast expansion at normal hunting ranges and rear-driven expansion at longer distances.

Can I use the 220 gr ELD-X for long-range hunting?

Yes. The 220 gr ELD-X is specifically designed to perform effectively at extended ranges. The Heat Shield tip and internal cavity work together to initiate expansion even at lower velocities encountered at 400+ yards, ensuring deep penetration and lethal wound cavities.

What rifle cartridges can I handload with the .308 220 gr ELD-X?

The .308 / .30 caliber designation indicates these bullets are suitable for .308 Winchester and other .30 caliber cartridges. For specific cartridge compatibility and load data, consult Hornady's reloading manual or website.

How consistent are these bullets from one to the next?

The ELD-X is manufactured to match-grade tolerances for exceptional bullet-to-bullet and lot-to-lot consistency, which is critical for handloaders seeking repeatable accuracy and performance.