Overview of the Hornady .264 100gr ELD-VT Bullet

The Hornady .264 100gr ELD-VT (Extremely Low Drag Varmint-Target) bullet is a cutting-edge projectile designed for precision shooting and varmint hunting. Introduced in 2024, this bullet combines advanced technology with innovative design to deliver exceptional performance in various shooting applications.

Design Features

Heat Shield Technology

One of the standout features of the ELD-VT bullet is its Heat Shield® tip, which resists deformation caused by aerodynamic heating. This ensures that the bullet maintains its shape throughout its trajectory, resulting in lower drag and improved accuracy at extended ranges.

Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP)

Hornady employs an Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) for the jackets of these bullets. This process enhances consistency in concentricity and thickness, ensuring that each bullet performs optimally. The result is a highly reliable product that shooters can trust for both target practice and hunting.

Unique Weight-to-Length Ratio

The ELD-VT bullets are designed with a unique weight-to-length ratio that maximizes muzzle velocity while enhancing aerodynamic performance. This long, sleek profile allows for better stability in flight, making it suitable for long-range engagements.

Performance Characteristics

Rapid Fragmentation

Upon impact, the polymer tip of the ELD-VT drives rearward into the bullet core, causing rapid fragmentation. This feature is particularly beneficial when hunting smaller game, as it ensures quick and humane kills by delivering devastating energy transfer upon impact. The bullet is specifically designed for use on animals weighing 50 pounds or less, making it ideal for varmint hunting.

Precision Accuracy

With years of ballistic research backing its design, the ELD-VT offers unmatched accuracy. It combines the aerodynamics of low-drag match bullets with the high velocity typical of varmint rounds. Shooters have reported impressive results when using this bullet at distances exceeding 1,000 yards.

Ballistics Data

When loaded into cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5 Grendel, the Hornady .264 100gr ELD-VT can achieve muzzle velocities ranging from approximately 3,100 to over 3,300 feet per second depending on specific load configurations. For example, handloads using Winchester StaBALL Match powder have shown velocities up to 3,346 fps from a 24” barrel.

Trajectory Performance

The trajectory of this bullet is optimized for flat shooting at longer distances. For instance, when zeroed at 200 yards, shooters can expect only about a 5.7-inch drop at 300 yards with factory ammunition. This makes it an excellent choice for long-range varmint hunting where precision is critical.