ELD-X or Berger Elite

Togwotee · Apr 24, 2024

I'm going to work up an all around hunting load for my new 28 Nosler and I'm struggling with a bullet choice. I want the ability to reach out to 750 yards but it's not my dedicated long range gun .

I know the Partition is best for under 500 yards, and the Berger is hard to beat at long range. I've tried the Long Range Accubond in several accurate rifles and I'm not impressed at all. I'm open to suggestions but I'm mainly concerned with on game performance at all practical ranges. all I'm asking for is the perfect bullet for all ranges , that shouldn't be a problem.

Chesterwyo · Apr 24, 2024

I’d hate to see the results of hitting something with a Berger or ELD at close range out of a 28 nosler. LRAB’s do indeed suck heavy ass. But the regular 160 grain accubond is a winner. I’ve killed stuff with them from distances ranging from real close, to way out there. They hold up as designed in both applications.

Sparks Shooter · Apr 24, 2024

I shot a bull elk at 46 yards with a 162 ELD-X out of my 28 Nosler and it went all the way through causing plenty of damage and killing the bull instantly. I've shot game with this load at all ranges out to 600 or so and have had a few messy situations but never insufficient penetration. .5-.75 MOA at all practical ranges, all the time. 175's would be even better in theory but I'm not messing with a good thing. I've cleanly killed 4 elk, 9 deer, and 2 antelope in 11 years with this gun and load.-----SS

257Tony · Apr 25, 2024

Berger 180 target hybrids worked great out of my 28. Closest elk kill was around 100 yards, farthest around 550.
Currently shooting the 143 Hammers at 3500 MV, they also do a great job.

Togwotee · Apr 25, 2024

I was wanting to stick with at least a 175, I don't think I can handle 195's with my 1-9 twist.

If the 162 ELD-x works the 175 should be better. but you sure do hear a lot of different opinions on them for closer shots.

Target Berger's on game? seems like they's blow up even worse. they do make a 180 VLD hunting bullet. I've shot elk to 730 with those in my 300 and they exited. don't think they would at closer range though.

yotebuster17 · Apr 25, 2024

I’ve been running the 195’s in a couple 28 Noslers and my 7mm Max for about 10-12 years. They’ve killed 15-20 elk, 40-50 deer, a couple moose, and a couple dozen antelope in that time and I’ve been nothing but satisfied. Anywhere from 15-1200 yards and they pretty much do the same thing, just a little more aggressively at closer range. They cut about a 18” cone into whatever you shoot them into, so if it’s a big moose quartering at you and your gonna go through the front shoulder on the way you’re probably gonna only get the close lung and maybe the top of the heart. If it’s an antelope it’s gonna go clear through. Never lost an animal with them and honestly never really had a bad outcome. The thing that in my experience Berger can’t be beat with is long range consistency. I’ve tried eldx and hammers and they’ll honestly shoot better at 100 yards then my Berger loads, but when I get to 800-1000 with them they seem to open up, especially the hammers (Accubonds are REALLY bad for this). I think it has to do with the consistency of the jacket with the lead bullets and I’m not sure what with the hammers, but they just seem to wobble their way out of the same MOA size they were at 100 yards. Berger’s honestly seem to tighten up the further you get out there. My 7 max sits around 7/8 moa at 100 but it’ll shoot 6” groups at 1000 just as easily if I do my part. Not sure how that even makes sense but that’s how they seem to fly.

maddog58 · Apr 25, 2024

I switched to Weatherby Select 163 gr Hammer Custom from 175 gr Nosler LR Accubonds. Hated the performance of the Nosler. Talked to Steve at Hammer and he said it will work well in the 1-9 twist of my CA Mesa. Have yet to shoot an animal with it yet

257Tony · Apr 25, 2024

Togwotee said:
I was wanting to stick with at least a 175, I don't think I can handle 195's with my 1-9 twist.

If the 162 ELD-x works the 175 should be better. but you sure do hear a lot of different opinions on them for closer shots.

Target Berger's on game? seems like they's blow up even worse. they do make a 180 VLD hunting bullet. I've shot elk to 730 with those in my 300 and they exited. don't think they would at closer range though.

Bergers target line have heavier jackets than the Hunting line. The 180 Hybrid is THE Berger to use in the 28, IMO of course.

DanMan · Apr 25, 2024

Just my opinion but I would choose a Berger Elite Hunter over an ELD-X all day long.

Togwotee · Apr 25, 2024

As near as I can tell the difference between the Elite and the VLD is just the ogive, so game performance would be the same. at long range I'm impressed by the VLD and how it held together.

The boys at MOA rifles say the Elite is the best all-around bullet with long range capability as well. unless the ELD-X is better at closer range maybe they're right.