Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets Review

Everything You Need to Know About the Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets

The Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets represent a compelling blend of varmint bullet velocity and match-grade accuracy. Designed by Hornady, these bullets are engineered for both long-range varmint hunts and competitive shooting. The key feature is the Heat Shield tip, which resists aerodynamic heating for consistent performance, a characteristic I’ve long sought in my bullet selections.

For years, I’ve been searching for a 6.5mm bullet that could deliver both flat trajectories for prairie dogs and consistent accuracy for local shooting competitions. My biggest challenge was finding a bullet that wouldn’t degrade at longer ranges due to tip deformation. Many varmint bullets simply lack the consistency required for truly accurate long-range shots.

Upon receiving the bullets, I was immediately impressed by the uniformity and sleekness of the design. The Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) Bullet Jackets seemed to promise excellent concentricity, and the bullets felt consistently weighted. Compared to other varmint bullets like the Nosler Varmageddon or the Sierra BlitzKing, the Hornady ELD-V appeared to have a more refined, match-grade construction.

My initial impression was excitement mixed with a touch of skepticism. The claims of combining varmint-level fragmentation with match-grade accuracy seemed almost too good to be true. I was eager to put these bullets through their paces and see if they could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets at my local shooting range, which offers distances out to 600 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight crosswind of about 5 mph. I loaded them into my custom 6.5 Grendel AR-15, known for its inherent accuracy.

The performance was immediately noticeable. The flat trajectory allowed me to reach 300-yard targets with minimal holdover. The bullets grouped tightly, producing sub-MOA results right out of the gate.

There were no immediate issues, although the crosswind did require slight adjustments to maintain consistent accuracy beyond 400 yards. The bullets seemed exceptionally stable, showing no signs of excessive drift or instability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds, and the performance has remained largely unchanged. There are no signs of significant wear or degradation.

The bullets are relatively easy to clean, and the copper jackets maintain their integrity well. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper varmint bullets, the Hornady ELD-V consistently outperforms them in terms of both accuracy and terminal performance. The quality is evident in every shot.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets

Specifications

• Caliber: 6.5mm Grendel. This offers a balance of manageable recoil and excellent ballistics for medium-range applications.
• Bullet Weight: 100 grain. This light weight allows for high velocities and flat trajectories, crucial for varmint hunting.
• Projectile Caliber: .264 Caliber. This is the standard diameter for 6.5mm cartridges, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of rifles.
• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.448. This indicates a good level of aerodynamic efficiency, allowing the bullet to retain velocity downrange.
• G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.226. The G7 BC provides a more accurate representation of ballistic performance for elongated bullets at transonic and subsonic speeds.
• Sectional Density: 0.205. This influences the bullet’s penetration capability.
• Jacket Material: Copper. Copper jackets provide excellent accuracy and controlled expansion.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet. This is a standard quantity for reloading components.
• Cartridge Case Material: Polymer. While referring to the bullet itself, this might be a slight error, potentially referencing packaging.
• Application: Varmint, Target, Match. This highlights the versatility of the bullet for multiple applications.

These specifications translate to a bullet that is accurate, flat-shooting, and capable of delivering rapid fragmentation on varmints. The Heat Shield tip ensures consistent performance at longer ranges, while the lightweight design maximizes muzzle velocity.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets excel in both accuracy and terminal performance. At the range, they consistently deliver sub-MOA groups out to 600 yards.

The strength lies in their consistent trajectory and resistance to aerodynamic heating. A potential weakness might be their limited penetration on larger game. They meet and exceed expectations for a dual-purpose varmint and target bullet.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional. The materials used are top-notch, and the bullets are consistently weighted and shaped. The design is user-friendly, with no learning curve required.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are designed for single-use application, so the concept of maintenance does not directly apply to the bullets themselves, but rather the bore of your firearm. Proper cleaning after use is always recommended. They are expected to last indefinitely in proper storage conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets intended for reloading; therefore, accessories include reloading dies, powder, primers, and cartridge cases. There are no direct customization options for the bullets themselves, but reloaders can experiment with different powder charges and seating depths to optimize performance for their specific rifles. The bullets are compatible with any standard 6.5mm Grendel reloading setup.

Pros and Cons of Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets

Who Should Buy Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets?

These bullets are perfect for varmint hunters seeking match-grade accuracy, target shooters looking for consistent performance at longer ranges, and reloaders who appreciate high-quality components. They are ideal for anyone using a 6.5 Grendel or similar 6.5mm cartridge.

This product is not recommended for hunters pursuing large or dangerous game requiring deep penetration. It’s also probably overkill for purely recreational shooters who don’t prioritize extreme accuracy. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality reloading press and accurate powder scale to ensure consistent loads.

Conclusion on Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets

The Hornady ELD-V 6.5mm 100 Grain Rifle Bullets are a top-tier choice for those seeking a versatile and accurate bullet for varmint hunting and target shooting. The price is justified by the exceptional quality, consistent performance, and dual-purpose capability.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking to elevate their shooting performance with the 6.5 Grendel. If you value accuracy, flat trajectory, and rapid fragmentation, the Hornady ELD-V is an excellent investment. Upgrade your shooting experience and see the difference for yourself.