First Look: Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X Muzzleloader Bullet

by
posted on January 24, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Hornady Bore Driver ELD X Lead

New for 2023, Hornady announces its .50-caliber Bore Driver ELD-X bullet, taking muzzleloading rifles to new heights. Using a bullet diameter of 0.499 inches, the Bore Driver ELD-X features a large polymer tip and a polymer base of bore diameter which seals the burning gasses behind the bullet. The Bore Driver ELD-X weighs in at 340 grains, has a G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of .315, and a sectional density (SD) of .194.

Compare these features to the FTX variant of the Bore Driver, which weighs in at 290 grains, has a BC of .135 and a SD of .166, you can see where the ELD-X version has a definite advantage in a muzzleloader capable of taking shots at longer ranges, like the Traditions NitroFire. The additional weight of the ELD-X variant makes it a better choice for larger game species like elk, moose and bear.

Hornady Bore Driver ELD-X muzzleloader bullet.

The Bore Driver ELD-X uses an internal InterLock groove to lock the jacket and core together, to slow expansion while maintaining the bullet’s integrity. The polymer base locks into the boat tail base of the bullet, eliminating the need for a sabot and reducing the force needed to load the bullet, and Hornady offers special brass ramrod tips which match the profile of the Bore Driver ELD-X, to minimize chances of damaging the projectile as you load the rifle. A concentric, drawn-copper jacket helps enhance accuracy, and this bullet has given up to 21 inches of penetration of ballistic gel under laboratory tests. Give these a try in your favorite muzzleloader. Sold in 12-count boxes.

For more information, visit hornady.com.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 06 Membershunt CJ Gun2
LEDEW H2026 06 Membershunt CJ Gun2

Member's Hunt: First Pheasant with the Old Gun

Meet Connor Dietrich. Connor is a 13-year-old honor student, football player and band member from Quincy, Ill. He is, for his age, a veteran hunter and angler. This year, he had his first pheasant hunt, and it was one to remember.

New for 2026: Bear & Son 537L Small Locking Farmhand

Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the 537L Small Locking Farmhand, a compact EDC pocketknife designed for everyday performance.

Wilson Combat Unveils America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat is proud to introduce the America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series, a special commemorative lineup of custom 1911 pistols created to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence.

An Account of Africa

Our man traveled to South Africa with a Bergara rifle bent on business.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-2 Timberline HD Binocular

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched the BX-2 Timberline HD. This rugged bino sports a roof prism design for a detailed image, while the compact design wrapped in rubberized armor provides purchase and durability.

Grants to Help Address Mallard Production in Great Lakes Regions

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently granted Ducks Unlimited (DU) and numerous partners $9 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) funds.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.