Hornady ELD-X Hunting Bullets 25 Cal .257 110gr - Extremely Low Drag-Expanding (25418)

Building precision handloads for your .25 caliber rifle? The Hornady ELD-X Hunting Bullets in 110-grain .257 diameter deliver match-grade accuracy paired with controlled, range-proven expansion. Whether you're zeroed in at 100 yards or pushing shots beyond 400, these bullets are engineered to perform across the full spectrum of practical hunting distances. The combination of aerodynamic design and advanced materials makes them a serious choice for reloaders who demand both precision and reliable terminal performance from their custom ammunition.

The ELD-X design centers on three core technologies: a Heat Shield tip that resists deformation from aerodynamic heating (verified by Doppler radar), a streamlined secant ogive with optimized boattail geometry, and Hornady's concentrically formed AMP jackets. Together, these features deliver best-in-class ballistic coefficients that flatten your trajectory and reduce wind drift. The result is the kind of in-flight consistency that makes these bullets attractive to long-range hunters and precision reloaders alike.

Terminal performance adapts to impact velocity. At close range with high-velocity impacts (0–400 yards), the bullet expands progressively while the InterLock ring and thick jacket shank keep core and jacket bonded, achieving 50–60% weight retention for penetration and energy transfer. Beyond 400 yards, at lower impact velocities, the Heat Shield tip drives backward into the bullet body to initiate expansion, producing a wide mushroom and deep penetration with 85–90% weight retention and large wound cavities.

These are component bullets for handloaders—not factory-loaded rounds. If you're assembling custom ammunition tailored to your rifle and hunting application, the ELD-X 110-grain .257 offers the precision and terminal reliability that serious reloaders expect.

Key Features

• Heat Shield tip resists aerodynamic heating and maintains ballistic shape throughout flight
• Streamlined secant ogive and optimized boattail for superior aerodynamic efficiency and best-in-class BC
• AMP jacket technology—highly concentric construction for consistent accuracy
• Dual-mode expansion: progressive controlled expansion at conventional ranges; Heat Shield-initiated expansion at extended range
• InterLock ring and thick jacket shank bond core and jacket for reliable penetration and weight retention
• Suitable for handloading across practical hunting distances

Specifications

Caliber	.25 Cal (.257 diameter)
Weight	110 grains
Bullet Type	ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding)
Part Number	25418
Application	Hunting; handloading component
Close-Range Weight Retention	50–60% (0–400 yards, high velocity)
Extended-Range Weight Retention	85–90% (400+ yards, low velocity)

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber and size is this bullet?

This is a .25 caliber component bullet, .257 inches in diameter and 110 grains in weight. It is designed for handloaders assembling ammunition for .25 caliber rifles.

Is this a loaded cartridge or a component?

This is a component bullet for handloading. You will need to assemble it into cartridges using your own reloading equipment, primers, powder, and cases. Hornady also produces factory-loaded Precision Hunter ammunition using ELD-X bullets if you prefer a finished round.

How does the Heat Shield tip work?

The Heat Shield tip is a polymer material designed to resist deformation from the aerodynamic heating that occurs during flight. By maintaining its shape throughout the trajectory, it preserves the bullet's ballistic coefficient and flight stability. At extended range and lower impact velocities, the tip also drives backward into the bullet to initiate controlled expansion.

Will this bullet work for long-range hunting?

Yes. The ELD-X is engineered for hunting at all practical distances. Its high ballistic coefficient and aerodynamic design help maintain velocity and reduce wind drift at extended range. At 400+ yards and lower impact velocities, the Heat Shield tip initiates expansion that produces deep penetration and large wound cavities.