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

Ledearkansas Posts
Ledearkansas Posts

Arkansas Has Best Turkey Harvest in Two Decades—a Product of Sound Management

Arkansas turkey hunters checked 13,591 turkeys during this year’s season, which ended May 10. It was the highest spring turkey harvest since 2006.

Hardware Review: Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter

Check out our review of the T/C Encore ProHunter, a new version of the legendary switch-barrel muzzleloader from Thompson/Center.

New for 2026: WRC Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula

Wildlife Research Center has released its Golden Estrus Scent Stick Formula, a weather-resistant, long-lasting estrus scent designed to trigger the mating instincts of rutting bucks.

Screwworm Gains Toehold the United States

The New World Screwworm (NWS), which devastated wildlife populations and the Lone Star State’s livestock industry 60 year ago, has established two beachheads in Texas.

Field Shooting Positions & Real-World Hunting

Delivering a lethal shot with a rifle or handgun when afield requires an understanding of the various shooting positions, supports and realistic accuracy. This article is meant to serve as a primer.

New for 2026: Texas Hunter Products 300-lb. Cottonseed Feeder

Texas Hunter Products has released its 300‑lb. Cottonseed Feeder, a purpose‑built solution for land managers who rely on whole cottonseed to support healthy deer and wildlife year‑round.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.