Strange load data for 162 ELD-X

[Newtosavage]

I've been loading for my 7mm-08's for a little while now, and decided to try the 162-grain ELD-X bullets by Hornady. I'm very glad I did as they have proven to be the most accurate bullets I've ever tried to date.

However, the Hodgdon load data for them - using IMR 8208 XBR powder - is a bit puzzling.

Hodgdon lists the max load for 160 grain bullets as 37.7 grains.
They list the max load for 168 grain bullets as 37.2 grains.
BUT they list the max load for a 162-grain A-Max (the predecessor to the ELD-X) bullet at 40.2 grains. ?!?!?

Anyone know why that might be?

I'm not complaining mind you, since I found a great accuracy node at 40 grains, and the velocity is very good.

 

[Newtosavage]

I looked at several powders, and they have a higher max charge for the 162 A-Max than either the 160 or 168's. Weird.

 

[LoonWulf]

I believe the eldx is a longer bullet, but only slightly. The eldx also probably has a thicker jacket. When comparing some differnt but similar projectiles types (vld vs traditional btsp) bearing surface can play a larger role. Here i dont think thats the case.

Then theres the fact that all data is at best a guideline, and every firearm is unique in and of itself, even the manuals say that. Test barrels/fixtures are still firearms, and each will be different, as will data collected on the same equipment as it wares.
Hodgdon list pressure spec for their data which is nice, many if not most others do not.

End of the day best you can do is start in at the bottom or middle (where ever your comfortable) and work up as far as you are comfortable. Most folks will say dont exceed listed data, and if thats where your comfortable stopping do so.
I say this from experience as i usually work up to the point where i get sticky bolt lift and flatter primers than im comfortable with. That way i know how close my chosen loads are to what i consider the "edge". Ive had that be a grain or more low of listed max, and as much as 3 or 4 over.
Ive found a number of rifles shot those loads realy well. But the few times ive given into the urge to use them, even if backed off just a little "to be safe" ive always had a little doubt in the back of my mind.......always there....freggin annoying.
Now ill usually pick the next accuracy node down, as long as velocity dosent drop too much. If it does ill change powders to try get to the upper node without going over pressure, sometimes that works some times it dosent and you have to give up and start over.
All part and parcel or reloading for performance.

 

[Newtosavage]

I have to admit I'm very happy with the Hodgdon's website load data for the 7mm-08 and the 139 SST and 162 A-Max (although I'm using the ELD-X). It is spot-on in my Tikka. I bought some IMR 8208 XBR specifically because it showed the best velocity for that 162 grain bullet, and what I'm seeing on my chrono is almost identical to the published data. That doesn't happen very often in my experience.

I say this from experience as i usually work up to the point where i get sticky bolt lift and flatter primers than im comfortable with.

So this is exactly where I've arrived as well. After handloading for 2 years now, I am finally getting comfortable with knowing when to stop and back up if necessary.

 

[jmr40]

Quite often when manufacturers list a max load that doesn't mean it won't be safe with more powder. They just reach a point and stop testing any further. That is why it is not uncommon for you to see very different max load data between different manuals.

I'd imagine that until recently there was very little interest in bullets heavier than 150 gr in 7-08 thus not much interest in seeing just how far it was safe to push them. The current trend is toward longer, heavier high BC bullets. When the ELD-X bullets came out they probably simply pushed the envelope a bit farther in the testing and determined it was safe.

But this is only an guess. I'm NOT implying it is safe to load OTHER 160+ gr bullets with the same load.

 

[old heeler]

I have to admit I'm very happy with the Hodgdon's website load data for the 7mm-08 and the 139 SST and 162 A-Max (although I'm using the ELD-X). It is spot-on in my Tikka. I bought some IMR 8208 XBR specifically because it showed the best velocity for that 162 grain bullet, and what I'm seeing on my chrono is almost identical to the published data. That doesn't happen very often in my experience.
So this is exactly where I've arrived as well. After handloading for 2 years now, I am finally getting comfortable with knowing when to stop and back up if necessary.

I think your pretty honest admitting why you pick that load and it's good it worked out for you. I have Hornady new manual and they list all of there 162gr bullet same test loads but different COL same as Hodgdon does. The 162gr ELD-X is about same length as Berger 168gr VLD and little shorter than 180gr VLD that I have.

 

[Demi-human]

How do the bearing surfaces measure betwixt the two? Less area equals less pressure, thus more powder to make the same pressure.

I'm glad that it works out well for you. Shoot well, and often!

 

[Newtosavage]

I think your pretty honest admitting why you pick that load and it's good it worked out for you. I have Hornady new manual and they list all of there 162gr bullet same test loads but different COL same as Hodgdon does. The 162gr ELD-X is about same length as Berger 168gr VLD and little shorter than 180gr VLD that I have.

The 162 ELD-X and 168 VLD's are remarkably similar. I have both at the moment, and thankfully my Tikka loves them both. Yesterday I shot two 1/2" groups with the VLD's while conducting a seating depth test, and I've shot enough 1/2" groups with the ELD-X now that I kinda expect them.