Hornady ELD-X 338 Cal 230 gr Extremely Low Drag-Expanding Hunting Bullets (33210)

The Hornady ELD-X 338 Cal 230 gr bullet is a purpose-built hunting round engineered for consistent, predictable performance across the full spectrum of practical hunting distances. Whether you're loading for a short-range opportunity or stretching shots beyond 400 yards, these bullets deliver the ballistic efficiency and terminal performance serious reloaders expect. The 230-grain weight in .338 caliber strikes a balance between velocity retention and stopping power, making it a natural choice for medium to large game at extended range.

At the heart of the ELD-X design is the Heat Shield tip—a polymer cap that remains stable under aerodynamic heating, preserving the bullet's shape and maintaining its exceptionally high ballistic coefficient throughout the flight. This translates to flatter trajectories, less wind drift, and more predictable energy delivery downrange. The streamlined secant ogive and optimized boattail geometry work in tandem with highly concentric jackets to achieve some of the most efficient aerodynamic performance in the hunting bullet category.

Terminal performance scales intelligently with impact velocity. At conventional ranges with higher impact speeds, expect rapid expansion and 50–60% weight retention—plenty of penetration and energy transfer for clean, ethical kills. At extended range, when velocity drops below optimal expansion thresholds, the Heat Shield tip drives rearward to reliably initiate expansion, creating a wide wound channel while the InterLock ring maintains core-to-jacket integrity for 85–90% weight retention and deep penetration. The thick jacket shank supports controlled mushrooming across both regimes, so you're not compromising performance whether you're shooting at 100 yards or 500.

Reloaders appreciate match-grade accuracy from the start. If factory ammunition is your preference, Hornady also offers the ELD-X loaded in Precision Hunter rounds, giving you the same terminal technology in ready-to-shoot form.

Key Features

• Heat Shield tip maintains shape under aerodynamic heating for consistent ballistic coefficient
• Streamlined secant ogive and optimized boattail design for superior aerodynamic efficiency
• Highly concentric AMP jackets for match-grade accuracy and consistency
• InterLock ring locks core to jacket, preventing separation during expansion
• Thick jacket shank enables controlled, consistent expansion from close range to extended distance
• 50–60% weight retention at conventional velocities; 85–90% retention at low-velocity extended-range impacts
• Suitable for hand-loading or use in Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammunition

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What rifles and cartridges can I use these 338 230 gr bullets in?

These are .338 caliber bullets designed for reloading into .338-class cartridges such as .338 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, and similar rounds. Consult your reloading manual to verify compatibility with your specific cartridge and safe load data.

Will the ELD-X expand reliably at long range?

Yes. The Heat Shield tip is designed to initiate reliable expansion even at reduced velocities typical of extended-range impacts (400+ yards). At higher close-range velocities, the bullet expands more rapidly; at lower velocities downrange, the tip drives backward to trigger expansion with a large mushroom and deep penetration.

Are these bullets sold as unprimed, unpowdered components for hand-loading?

These are projectiles only, sold as components for hand-loaders. You will need a reloading press, primers, powder, and appropriate reloading dies to assemble finished cartridges. Hornady also offers the ELD-X technology in factory-loaded Precision Hunter ammunition if you prefer ready-to-shoot rounds.

How much bullet weight is retained on impact?

Weight retention depends on impact velocity. At conventional hunting ranges with higher impact speeds, expect 50–60% weight retention. At extended range with lower impact velocities, the bullet retains 85–90% of its weight, supporting deep penetration and larger wound cavities.