Hornady Precision Hunter Ammunition 7mm STW 162 Grain ELD-X 20RD

The Hornady Precision Hunter 7mm STW 162 Grain ELD-X ammunition bridges the gap between factory convenience and handload precision. Built on Hornady's reputation for match-grade ballistics, this load pairs the proven 162-grain ELD-X bullet with carefully developed powders and primers to deliver the accuracy serious hunters demand without the reloading bench. Whether you're shooting 7mm STW at paper or pursuing game across varied terrain, these 20 rounds give you a repeatable, optimized load that works right out of the box.

The ELD-X bullet itself is the centerpiece here. Its Heat Shield tip resists the aerodynamic heating that degrades ballistic coefficient at extreme ranges, so your downrange velocity and energy stay higher than conventional designs. The secant ogive profile and optimized boattail minimize drag, while the concentric AMP jacket keeps tolerances tight for consistency shot to shot. On game, this dual-purpose design performs across the velocity spectrum: at closer ranges (0–400 yards), expect traditional expansion and 50–60% weight retention; at extended range where velocity drops, the Heat Shield tip collapses inward to initiate controlled expansion with 85–90% weight retention and deep penetration.

Hornady engineers have already done the load development legwork, matching powder charge and primer to unlock the ELD-X's ballistic potential in the 7mm STW platform. That means less guesswork and more confidence in your ammo from first shot to last. If you shoot 7mm STW and want factory ammunition that performs like a handload, this is a logical choice for both range work and hunting applications where precision and terminal performance matter equally.

Key Features

• 162-grain ELD-X bullet with Heat Shield tip for consistent ballistic coefficient across full trajectory range
• Match-accurate factory loads optimized for the 7mm STW cartridge
• Dual-range terminal performance: conventional expansion at close range, controlled mushroom at extended distance
• High weight retention (50–60% at impact velocities 0–400 yards; 85–90% at 400+ yards) for deep, reliable penetration
• 20 rounds per box

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Heat Shield tip and does it really improve long-range ballistics?

The Heat Shield tip is a polymer insert designed to resist aerodynamic heating that can degrade a bullet's shape and ballistic coefficient at high velocities. Hornady verifies its performance with Doppler radar testing. On extended-range impacts (400+ yards and beyond), the Heat Shield drives backward into the bullet to initiate controlled expansion while maintaining deep penetration.

Is Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition suitable for both hunting and target shooting?

Yes. These loads are factory-optimized for match-grade accuracy, so they work well for precision rifle shooting and sighting-in. The ELD-X bullet design and terminal performance characteristics make them equally appropriate for hunting applications in the 7mm STW.

What weight retention should I expect from the 162-grain ELD-X?

On conventional-range impacts (0–400 yards), expect 50–60% weight retention. At extended range (400+ yards and beyond) where velocity is lower, the bullet exhibits controlled expansion with 85–90% weight retention, providing deep penetration and larger wound cavities.

Does this ammunition come with any specific storage or handling instructions?

No special instructions are provided in the product data. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from extreme heat or moisture, as with all centerfire rifle rounds.