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Kansaswoodguy
10-27-16, 15:25
I can't wait to try some of these bullets in handloads
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hQRBTtsEpGE

twm134
10-27-16, 20:54
I want more info on the coefficient, but yes it shows promise.

P2000
10-27-16, 22:28
Its pretty neat that Nosler is coming out with their 70 gr RDF, and Hornady is coming out with this 73gr. Hopefully one or both end up being awesome.

Kansaswoodguy
10-28-16, 23:42
Midway listed BC as .398 that's pretty good for mag length bullet.;)

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/189389/hornady-eld-match-bullets-22-caliber-224-diameter-73-grain-boat-tail-box-of-100

jaholder
11-05-16, 21:20
Hornady makes some great bullets, but their schtick about polymer bullet tips melting in flight is BS. We've had polymer tipped bullets out for 20 years and after all these years melting plastic tips is causing issues in flight? Please, if all these tipped bullet flew like crap so bad that Hornady's ELD line is the solution why is Hornady not discontinuing all their other lies of melting tipped bullets? It's funny how everyone's tipped bullets are now garbage and theirs is now better only after Sierra introduced their new line of Tipped Matchkings. I don't think that's a coincidence.

I've seen how badly deformed and missing polymer tipped bullets shoot, in fact it was Hornady's early Amax bullets I saw the trouble with. I've used Nosler Ballistic tips and others out to 600 in 4X600 and any/any matches and never saw any trouble that could be attributed to this "problem". I do know that Hornady's people are the only ones I've seen go to great lengths to bash every other bullet maker and push their line as being the be all, end all in shooting to the point of obnoxiousness. So to say I take their claims about other tipped bullets with a grain of salt is an understatement.

ubet
11-11-16, 00:36
I really don't like hornady. I think they are a B class component company at best. I've always had trouble getting their bullets to shoot accurate in rifles. I have a set of their dies in 308win that are atrocious to use, in fact I couldn't use them the resize die was all but impossible to get a case into. Just not a fan of anything hornady. Haven't tried their progressive press yet though

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

markm
02-09-18, 11:29
Pappabear just grabbed a box of these that we'll be slingin' over the next few weeks.

dmd08
02-09-18, 11:44
Interesting. I've been looking for discussion of this bullet since I just picked some up as well. I'm curious to hear your results.

I've been using Nosler 77gr. CC almost exclusively but I just got some 73gr. ELDM, 80gr. ELDM, 62gr. BTHP and Sierra 77gr. TMK to play with.

markm
02-09-18, 12:29
I may try to load them hot as hell. Maybe some TAC to see how flat we can make them fly.

hotrodder636
02-09-18, 13:49
Pappabear just grabbed a box of these that we'll be slingin' over the next few weeks.

Please share results

markm
02-09-18, 15:05
25.5 gr of TAC is where I'm starting... backing off a little from the 5.56 ramshot data based on a 75 gr hornady bullet. We'll be running the 20 inch rem 700.

dmd08
02-09-18, 15:15
Wow. They list the max load pushing the 75gr hornady to over 3000 fps. That seems smoking.

markm
02-09-18, 15:34
Wow. They list the max load pushing the 75gr hornady to over 3000 fps. That seems smoking.

Their data is spicy. I loaded some 80 gr SMKs to 3 or 4 tenths below their max, and was getting swipes and primer flow. So I'm staying under their 75 gr max to give some cushion.

opngrnd
02-09-18, 15:35
25.5 gr of TAC is where I'm starting... backing off a little from the 5.56 ramshot data based on a 75 gr hornady bullet. We'll be running the 20 inch rem 700.

That's hotter than most people's 55gr load! Shoot it to 1000!

308sako
02-09-18, 15:39
I just picked up a box of the 75 ELD's as the Berger 75 VLD's have been shooting pretty well for me.

https://i.imgur.com/AMn27M6.jpg?1

Hope that the Hornady's will shoot as well.

FYI: velocities in excess of 3,000 ft/sec no problem if the overall length allows for sufficient space. These in no way were magazine length loads.

markm
02-09-18, 15:50
That's hotter than most people's 55gr load! Shoot it to 1000!

We will. We have a pretty decent 1000 yard gong on a mound.

markm
02-09-18, 15:52
I just picked up a box of the 75 ELD's as the Berger 75 VLD's have been shooting pretty well for me.


Thats nice. We have a great spot for shooting... but the wind is rarely cooperative enough to try any groups at distance.

Vegas
02-09-18, 16:31
Thats nice. We have a great spot for shooting... but the wind is rarely cooperative enough to try any groups at distance.I resemble that remark. Gotta love swirly desert hills winds. Interested to see how these 73gr work. If they are as good as the 162's I use in my 7mm RM, they will do just fine.

We are getting somewhat spoiled for choice in heavy .224 projectiles.

markm
02-09-18, 16:41
I resemble that remark. Gotta love swirly desert hills winds.

Our 900 yard target is harder to hit than the 1000 because of the hills/wind combo. It's nuts.

308sako
02-09-18, 20:06
Our 900 yard target is harder to hit than the 1000 because of the hills/wind combo. It's nuts.

Isn't that the point, afterall the challenge is what makes us try harder, further, windier... LOL

Like Vegas above I shoot at Desert Sportsman's R&P... we know wind all too well.

OK, kidding aside I just measure some of the 75 grain ELD's against the 77 SMK and 75 Berger VLD for consistency and diameter. Used 5 random bullets of each for averages.

Berger's length varied by as much as .022" running from 1.030" to 1.052" base to tip

Hornady's Length 1.116" WITH NO VARIATION!

Sierra's length .999" length varied on the 5 random rounds measured =/- .001"

Hopefully Monday or Tuesday will offer an opportunity to do a ladder with the 75 ELD's.

markm
02-10-18, 08:22
I've never been troubled by length variations in OTMs. I hope that I shouldn't be... because I don't need anything extra on which to obsess.

308sako
02-10-18, 11:31
I've never been troubled by length variations in OTMs. I hope that I shouldn't be... because I don't need anything extra on which to obsess.

Keeping it simple, but trying to understand who the players are that affect my efforts at precision loading and or shooting. In all likelihood this particular dimension will not be a major factor as the base to ogive is the important consideration. But always it comes back to consistency.

markm
02-10-18, 12:09
Yeah... I remember reading about Meplat uniforming. And the guy who'd tried it realized no measureable difference in accuracy. However, now that I think about it, at 1000 yards it might make a difference.

We shot some of the Accubond 30 Win Mag ammo that had the brittle tips fall out. At 1000 yards, that Lack of bullet tip DRAMATICALLY hurt the bullet flight. I was like watching breaking ball pitches as those bullets dumped way short of the gong.

mgrs
02-11-18, 17:51
25.5 gr of TAC is where I'm starting... backing off a little from the 5.56 ramshot data based on a 75 gr hornady bullet. We'll be running the 20 inch rem 700.

How long? That's a hot charge unless I missed that it's not .223. Would love to see how it turns out.

Pappabear
02-11-18, 20:57
Markm loaded up some super hot TAC loads and some pretty hot XBR loads. I think , if my memory serves me, 2800fps plus out of our 16 inch gas gun. I screwed up and brought my Rem 700 308 when I wanted to bring my rem700 223 gun. My boys moved my guns around and I screwed that up, they are exactly the same build for training. Next week, 20 inch data to follow.

PB

opngrnd
02-11-18, 22:14
That sounds crazy. I've got some calculating to do.

308sako
02-11-18, 23:21
I loaded a ladder with XBR and the 75 ELD-M and to make contact with my rifling the COAL is a whopping 2.520"s. That leaves a lot of volume for powder in the .223 cases. Since the Berger 75 VLD's exceeded 3,000 ft/sec's without excessive pressure signs I feel confident these Hornady bullets will as well. With luck and my LabRadar Tuesday should tell.

markm
02-12-18, 09:20
https://i.imgur.com/7xltCCU.jpg

The XBR load was running 2660 fps. But the TAC load was a little too hot. 2850 out of the 16" barrel. At 1000 yards the come up was only 9 mils. I was getting swipes and one primer half backed out. I knew that this load combined with the AR match primer was going to cook.

The TAC load is actually backed off from the 77 gr 5.56 data that is published. I had the same issue with 80 gr smks and TAC. Pressure signs even though I was a half grain under max 5.56 data.

308sako
02-13-18, 18:46
I didn't shoot my best today and feel I lost one to a gust, but I did like the horizontal nature or relative flatness of this group. Distance to target was 300 yards.

https://i.imgur.com/UiECfoo.jpg?1

Also liked this group, and feel if I had controlled my shoulder pressure a bit better it might have been outstanding.

https://i.imgur.com/VqB5EvK.jpg?1

Next attempt will be to move the bullet away from the rifling and hopefully get some better SD's and tighter groups with a bit less apparent pressure. Tight bolt lift occured at 25.0 grains V =3100 ft/secs at that point.

MWAG19919
02-13-18, 18:52
Sorry, newbie question, but what is a swipe?

Pappabear
02-13-18, 18:59
I didn't shoot my best today and feel I lost one to a gust, but I did like the horizontal nature or relative flatness of this group. Distance to target was 300 yards.

https://i.imgur.com/UiECfoo.jpg?1

Also liked this group, and feel if I had controlled my shoulder pressure a bit better it might have been outstanding.

https://i.imgur.com/VqB5EvK.jpg?1

Next attempt will be to move the bullet away from the rifling and hopefully get some better SD's and tighter groups with a bit less apparent pressure. Tight bolt lift occured at 25.0 grains V =3100 ft/secs at that point.

Well done. I didnt manage to bring our precision rifle so we had little report but fps. Next week, hopefully we can bring some accuracy results as well.

PB

Vegas
02-13-18, 19:21
I picked up a box of 73gr over the weekend so hopefully get some loaded for the coming weekend. I compared the BC to the 75gr, that is quite a jump. Shame we can't get those in a mag!

308sako
02-13-18, 20:19
I picked up a box of 73gr over the weekend so hopefully get some loaded for the coming weekend. I compared the BC to the 75gr, that is quite a jump. Shame we can't get those in a mag!

One of the things i consider about the LONG RANGE loads is that they need not be magazine fed. It is really quite easy to drop one in and hit the easy button (bolt catch) to chamber it. Rate of fire is more than adequate IMHO. FWIW I am single loading even the Sako bolt action as the 2.520" cartridges exceed that rifles magazine restricted length as well. I guess just about everything is a compromise in this life. :-)

Thanks PapaBear :-)

dmd08
02-13-18, 20:36
I skipped the 75's. I have 73's and 80's. I figure if I'm single loading why not go straight to 80? I haven't had a chance to actually try any yet so we'll see.

hotrodder636
02-13-18, 21:35
When the ejector physically swipes on the back of the case head. This typically happens while the case is still under pressure and the bolt head starts to rotate (action cycling). Usually happens on overpressure or “hot” loads.


Sorry, newbie question, but what is a swipe?

markm
02-14-18, 09:18
Why do we keep getting out-shot by guys here? :D

We need to step up our game.

Pappabear
02-20-18, 17:31
Mark has some FPS update with the 20 5R Bolt gun. But the hot TAC load went nuts and shot hot but not accurate. We have never shot any ammo out of that gun over 3 MOA, this was shotgun stuff.

markm
02-21-18, 09:26
The TAC load may be the worst load I've ever come up with. Legit 4 plus MOA out of the most accurate gun in the world. We ended up mag dumping the load out of the 10.5 LMT and popping primers all over the desert. Unreal.

308sako
02-21-18, 15:16
The TAC load may be the worst load I've ever come up with. Legit 4 plus MOA out of the most accurate gun in the world. We ended up mag dumping the load out of the 10.5 LMT and popping primers all over the desert. Unreal.

Usually when I brag I try to do something wonderful :-) ... Was the primer popping in that category?

Vegas
03-20-18, 23:09
Ok, finally got to shoot the 73's I loaded. All I can say is wow! And not in a good way. Best group of the batch, 1.5 moa. Worst a hair over 3 moa. I used the same 22.9gr XBR that I load with 77gr SMK's. I switched the primer from a Remington BR to CCI450. The SMK load was a solid 3/4 moa load. Not sure what to make of it tbh. Still have some more to shoot so will have another go next weekend.

308sako
03-20-18, 23:25
Ok, finally got to shoot the 73's I loaded. All I can say is wow! And not in a good way. Best group of the batch, 1.5 moa. Worst a hair over 3 moa. I used the same 22.9gr XBR that I load with 77gr SMK's. I switched the primer from a Remington BR to CCI450. The SMK load was a solid 3/4 moa load. Not sure what to make of it tbh. Still have some more to shoot so will have another go next weekend.

FWIW, my go to 77 SMK load is 23.25 grs of XBR, that said my 69 grain SMK load is 23.90 grs XBR, so maybe the 73 grain was off node for you, and a little more enthusiasm behind the lift off would be a benefit? Mostly I run the Fed 205 Standard primers now that my beloved Wolf supply has nearly come to an end. I have no doubt that you know what you are doing and you know your rifle, but perhaps trying a ladder in this barrel might be beneficial.

markm
03-21-18, 12:22
I doubt we'll buy these bullets again. The instant gratification wasn't there like with the 30 cal ELDs.

Vegas
03-21-18, 15:08
With the 7mm 162's, you could almost throw any charge in there with H1000 and they were sub minute so I was surprised to say the least. One thing I noticed was that they seem to seat deep into the case. I was loading at 2.255.

Pappabear
03-21-18, 17:12
As ELD fanboys we failed the 73's. I'm sure with time and trial and error they could be good enough. But it's too easy with so many other loads.

I guess we will stick with 30 cal. 300 WM and 308 win. That with no effort were lights out.

PB

mark5pt56
03-22-18, 05:29
FWIW, my go to 77 SMK load is 23.25 grs of XBR, that said my 69 grain SMK load is 23.90 grs XBR, so maybe the 73 grain was off node for you, and a little more enthusiasm behind the lift off would be a benefit? Mostly I run the Fed 205 Standard primers now that my beloved Wolf supply has nearly come to an end. I have no doubt that you know what you are doing and you know your rifle, but perhaps trying a ladder in this barrel might be beneficial.

Same here, at 23.2 with same combo. I tested the CCI BR4 and they are equal with the 205's. I also checked the 400's and they are maybe .2 off of the others. Around here, the BR4's are everywhere, no Federal's

GMZ
03-22-18, 18:40
Ive got a ladder loaded up from 23.0-23.6 gr of XBR 8208 in .2 gr increments with the 73 gr ELD, plan to shoot them next week.

Ive seen a few people over on the Hide get these to shoot well at charges above 23 gr XBR 8208 so Im hopeful.

23.2 is a very popular charge for heavies with XBR.

308sako
03-23-18, 09:22
Ive got a ladder loaded up from 23.0-23.6 gr of XBR 8208 in .2 gr increments with the 73 gr ELD, plan to shoot them next week.

Ive seen a few people over on the Hide get these to shoot well at charges above 23 gr XBR 8208 so Im hopeful.

23.2 is a very popular charge for heavies with XBR.


Please let us know your results.

GMZ
03-29-18, 17:43
I did not have good luck with these either, shooting a 16" WOA SDM 1/7 bbl.

Ran 23.0-23.6 of XBR 8208 in .2 gr increments with CCI450 and prepped WIN brass COAL 2.250. Between 1.5-4 MOA for me as well @100. I was talking to a guy shooting next to me about my new WOA barrel and was embarrassed when we went downrange until he said he couldn't get his 6.5 140 ELDs to shoot out of a Proof Research barrel either. I really wanted these to shoot well since the 75 BTHP was getting me groups under 1" when I did an OCW last week with only a hundred rounds down this new barrel. I don't think I am going to mess with these anymore, at least not out of this barrel.

Vegas
03-29-18, 18:29
I'll be shooting the rest of the batch out of my BCM SS410 16" this weekend. Maybe they will work in that.

Vegas
04-01-18, 02:11
Nope! More 2-3 moa groups today. I actually chrono'd the loads and was getting between 2770 and 2800 with some swipes on the brass. I'll stick with 77 smk and the standard 75 Hornady match.

markm
04-02-18, 13:21
Wow. Odd for Hornady to release a bullet so challenging with which to get good accuracy.

We'll be slinging the 178s out of 308 this weekend.

Vegas
04-02-18, 16:44
Definitely odd compared to the rest of the ELD-M line. With the standard 75gr Match, minute at 100 is easy no matter the load almost. Then fine tune to get .75 and under was my experience.

Pappabear
04-02-18, 18:46
Yea, every other bullet they make in the line is sub to half with a variety of loads. Hard to figure if they got cute and slightly changed some dimension thinking it didn't matter or trying to improve on great, making it VLD ish.

PB

GMZ
04-03-18, 13:12
Maybe they are very sensitive to jump? Pretty sure most people shoot them out of 5.56 or at most 223 Wylde.

Over on the Hide user padom had great luck with these but from what I remember he was shooting a Kreiger (ETA: Bartlein and Rainier Match) with CLE Match chamber.

ETA: I have about 20 of them left, was thinking of loading a few to right off the lands (single load) and seeing whats what.

ETA2: I have a WOA so I guess Im SOL, hah.


I do not recommed the ELD's in WOA's. Of my 3 WOA's they ALL shot lights out with 23.6g 8208XBR and 77smk. Thats a 16", 18" SPR, and 20" SDM. They shot the older Hornady 75BTHP second best with same load. I did extensive testing with the 73 ELD's and many different powders and they just shot like shit in the WOA.

I decided to test 3 different Rainier Ultramatch barrels and they shoot lights out with the new 73 ELD's and 8208XBR.

Here is his Bartlein barrel

https://i.imgur.com/FXquldMl.jpg

Pappabear
09-10-18, 12:30
Reviving this old beast. Big D hand loaded some 73 ELD's for his new scope for his SBR. Bought a nice new Vortex. Anyway, he keep pushing the scope up down left and right until we concluded his mounts must be loose. Just before throwing in the towel, I threw him 5 of Markm's 77 load. He stacked them on top of each other. The 73's were like 5-6 inch groups. Just one more example of how bizarre this one flavor of ELD's can be. Its hard for a very skilled handloader to achieve a 6 MOA load.

PB

markm
09-10-18, 13:06
I had forgotten about these bullets, and saw a box of them on the bench the night before. I nearly loaded some up.

DCB
09-15-18, 03:16
Reviving this old beast. Big D hand loaded some 73 ELD's for his new scope for his SBR. Bought a nice new Vortex. Anyway, he keep pushing the scope up down left and right until we concluded his mounts must be loose. Just before throwing in the towel, I threw him 5 of Markm's 77 load. He stacked them on top of each other. The 73's were like 5-6 inch groups. Just one more example of how bizarre this one flavor of ELD's can be. Its hard for a very skilled handloader to achieve a 6 MOA load.

PB

I was still in denial that my favorite component company could make such a strange projectile. After my experience above with PB and Mark, I loaded up a bunch of 77 Nosler CC over Varget and the same batch of 73 ELD mentioned above. Both were hovering around 7 SD out of both my 24” Savage 1/9 and my 18” WOA. Hit the flat range and confirmed that the 73 ELD is one picky bitch. Both guns produced similar results: https://i.imgur.com/S34HSXh.jpg

Pappabear
09-15-18, 10:07
It is insane. So very cornfusing.

markm
09-15-18, 10:42
Maybe we're loading them backwards. :cool:

The remainder of these will be 25 yard steal banger bullets.

Corse
09-15-18, 13:39
I shot multiple 3 rnd groups with the Hornady match ammo and they were all .4-.65”. I have tried to load some but they haven’t turned in groups that good. To be fair the 77 gr TMK were turning in similar groups.

markm
09-15-18, 13:41
I shot multiple 3 rnd groups with the Hornady match ammo and they were all .4-.65”. I have tried to load some but they haven’t turned in groups that good. To be fair the 77 gr TMK were turning in similar groups.

That's kind of interesting. Wonder if the factory loads are the same lot of bullets.

Corse
09-15-18, 14:17
If I get a non windy day, maybe I can reproduce those groups with my hand loads. I would like to see better groups from the match kings, but shooting a reference group with factory ammo the last time out was similar with the wind effecting group size. Or maybe I haven’t found the right combo yet.

BillB
10-28-18, 08:55
I had terrible results with these. I loaded them with Varget, AR Comp, TAC, 8208XBR and Accurate 2520 and shot them in both of my precision guns, my Mk12 Mod1 built by Lamont LeClaire and my 16" build with a High Caliber Sales RECCE barrel and I was pissed that I wasted that much powder and primers on them.
I gave them a more than fair chance. I loaded 200 of them. 5 each @different charges and just couldn't get them to do much at all. I'm on the road right now and dont know the exact charges but I can list them once I'm home and have my load data book.

markm
10-28-18, 09:21
I had terrible results with these.

These bullets make SS109s look like match bullets. ;)

BillB
10-28-18, 15:14
You ain't kidding brother. I'm so happy I only bought 200.

Vegas
10-28-18, 15:29
You ain't kidding brother. I'm so happy I only bought 200.

I felt robbed I bought a hundred!

BillB
10-28-18, 15:39
Wish I had read this thread first.

phidelt208
11-16-18, 18:48
I"m in a similar boat I really wanted to like the 73 ELD out of my AR but they where all horrible groups.
I tested 3 shot, and 5 shot groups at 100 and 200 yards with 8208, CFE223, Varget, 4166, Tac, H322, and Benchmark.
Out of two uppers, the best groups would only hold 1.5 MOA.
I"m going back to 75 HPBT and 77 Match kings.

BillB
11-16-18, 18:54
How do the H 75grHPBT perform? I've not reloaded them. SMKs are getting really damn expensive, I love em but jeez, really!! Everywhere I'm looking they're hovering around $175, BS. Didn't have good luck with Noslers CC heavies, might try again though if I can't find another heavy to use, that performs.
Bergersen? All I know is I'll not buy another ELD bullet in any weight, with any tip for any price. Sorry but those things just were sad.

Corse
11-16-18, 19:59
I have gotten pretty good results with the nosler 70gr RDF. 10 shot groups at 1". I was shooting soda cans at 450yrds with the nosler and the hornady eld.

Pappabear
11-16-18, 20:04
I"m in a similar boat I really wanted to like the 73 ELD out of my AR but they where all horrible groups.
I tested 3 shot, and 5 shot groups at 100 and 200 yards with 8208, CFE223, Varget, 4166, Tac, H322, and Benchmark.
Out of two uppers, the best groups would only hold 1.5 MOA.
I"m going back to 75 HPBT and 77 Match kings.

77 grain SMK's and Noslers CC are solid performers for most if not all.

PB

Vegas
11-17-18, 01:38
How do the H 75grHPBT perform? I've not reloaded them. SMKs are getting really damn expensive, I love em but jeez, really!! Everywhere I'm looking they're hovering around $175, BS. Didn't have good luck with Noslers CC heavies, might try again though if I can't find another heavy to use, that performs.
Bergersen? All I know is I'll not buy another ELD bullet in any weight, with any tip for any price. Sorry but those things just were sad.

A few of my best groups have been with the standard Hornady 75gr HPBT. They are good value. IMO.

opngrnd
11-17-18, 12:00
A few of my best groups have been with the standard Hornady 75gr HPBT. They are good value. IMO.

I have also had good results with them. My buddy and I shot the H 68gr and 69gr SMK back to back at 100 yards and had the same results for both. Maybe it would be different if we stretched out to 300, but I kind of doubt it.

djmurf
01-12-19, 18:14
Just wanted to post a workup I ran through recently with the 73gr ELD-M, 8208 XBR, LC 15 Brass, and WSR primers.
5 groups of 5 with the following loads:

21.5gr
21.6gr
22.0gr
22.4gr
22.8gr

Saw a good group at 21.6 and at 22.8. No pressure signs even at max. I'm going to load some more at 22.8 and 23.0 next trip and also get some chrono data.
I'm actually pretty impressed with the group at 22.8gr seeing that this bullet is having to jump 0.1+



55489

Pappabear
01-12-19, 18:52
Just wanted to post a workup I ran through recently with the 73gr ELD-M, 8208 XBR, LC 15 Brass, and WSR primers.
5 groups of 5 with the following loads:

21.5gr
21.6gr
22.0gr
22.4gr
22.8gr

Saw a good group at 21.6 and at 22.8. No pressure signs even at max. I'm going to load some more at 22.8 and 23.0 next trip and also get some chrono data.
I'm actually pretty impressed with the group at 22.8gr seeing that this bullet is having to jump 0.1+



55489

These are some good groups, what rig did you use to wack them with.

PB

djmurf
01-12-19, 19:04
These are some good groups, what rig did you use to wack them with.

PB

It's a Ballistic Advantage 18" premium barrel in an Aero upper/lower.
I've been really happy with that barrel. I have a good 77gr Sierra load that I've been using for it, but my 77gr stash just ran dry and I've been looking at some of the newer tips out there.
I picked up some of the 73's and then started reading up on them. After some of the posts I've seen, I wasn't expecting much out of them, but I've been pleased with the groups it has shot so far... I just hope they are reproducible!

opngrnd
01-12-19, 19:46
I look forward to seeing the chrono data.

djmurf
01-12-19, 19:52
I look forward to seeing the chrono data.

When I get it, I'll definitely post it. Hopefully I'll be able to get out to the range next weekend. Wanted to get to the range tomorrow, but we got about a foot of snow dropped on us here in the Midwest last night...

Kansaswoodguy
01-16-19, 18:29
I just found a box of these 73's I'd picked up several months ago and forgotten about maybe if I get time I'll load some up and see how they do looking at lot of the results my hopes aren't very high.

mic2377
01-18-19, 17:14
I don't have much to contribute about the 73 ELD's except that the standard 75 HPBT's are cheaper and shoot surprisingly well. I have had them out to 650 yds with excellent results. They start getting squirrelly over 700 yds out my 18" barrel but I have scored to occasional hit out to 900 yds with optimum conditions.

Have any of you guys tried Varget or H4895 under these? I have had excellent luck with H4895 and found it to be more forgiving in terms of accuracy nodes than "peakier" powders like 8208 XBR.

markm
01-18-19, 17:59
I don't have much to contribute about the 73 ELD's except that the standard 75 HPBT's are cheaper and shoot surprisingly well. I have had them out to 650 yds with excellent results. They start getting squirrelly over 700 yds out my 18" barrel but I have scored to occasional hit out to 900 yds with optimum conditions.

Shoot! The economy priced 62 gr HPBT bullets run out to 750 yards for us. I'd take those over the 73 ELD any day.

Kansaswoodguy
01-18-19, 18:04
With the 75’s I’ve used IMR 4895 but prefer 8208. They are my normal fodder out of my 24” barrel I can get them to 1000yds conditions need to be very favorable. They are very good even in windy conditions out to 750 or so out of that barrel.

FightinQ
01-26-19, 02:37
I've been having good results using Tac and FGMM 205MAR primers, using just 23 seated at 2.260 for the 73 ELD and 22.5 grains. For the 75 OTM, seated at 2.250 using just 22.5 grains.


Honestly, both have not been able to beat my 77 SMK mod 0 or mod 1 clones but do well enough to kit steel.

djmurf
01-27-19, 17:01
I was able to get back out to the range today, not ideal weather, was cold with a little cross wind. I shot 2 groups and then ran 10 rounds over a chrono. The groups weren't great, but if you pulled out the flyer in the 2nd group, I would have been close to 3/4". I was cold & shivering a bit. I do think this load has some promise, and when the weather improves I'll get out and shoot some more. Once again, this is the 73gr eld-m over 22.8 gr of 8208 xbr in LC brass. Avg fps was 2594 (18 in barrel). The 23.8 was max load from Hornady's 5.56 data, but I do think there is room there to take the velocity a little higher. I'm not seeing any significant pressure signs at 22.8.

Synced on:, 2019-01-27 14:18:42
Series, 73_eld_8208_22.8, Shots:, 10
Notes,
Min, 2579, Max, 2624
Avg, 2594, S-D, 14.6
ES, 45

Shot, Speed
1, 2597, ft/s
2, 2614, ft/s
3, 2600, ft/s
4, 2590, ft/s
5, 2588, ft/s
6, 2579, ft/s
7, 2580, ft/s
8, 2584, ft/s
9, 2624, ft/s
10, 2591, ft/s
----,----,----,----


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