FAQs
If the BC degrades with older tip material, how accurate are trajectory predictions?
They become progressively more inaccurate beyond ranges of 300 to 400 yards. The effects of changing ballistic coefficients (BC) with distance can be modeled with several commercially available ballistic calculators, but it is virtually impossible to know what the actual BC changes are without Doppler radar data. Reducing velocity to measure the simulated BC in mid-flight does not reflect the effects of aerodynamic heating on the tip.
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
What's the maximum range for acceptable terminal performance with ELD‑X bullets?
It depends on retained velocity and is therefore cartridge dependent. In general, the ELD-X bullets will provide reliable and effective terminal performance up to velocities of approximately 1,600 feet per second. Click here for more information on Hornady Heat Shield Technology.
Categorized in: Bullets, Heat Shield Technology
Are you encouraging people to shoot animals at long range?
No, we are simply providing a bullet that is capable of excellent terminal performance, accuracy and reduced wind drift that is lethal at ranges from near and far. It's our opinion that you should get as close to your quarry as possible. In certain instances, you simply shouldn't take the shot.
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
If tips melt, why not just shoot targets and animals with non‑tipped BTHP bullets?
The new Heat Shield tipped bullets provide both aeroballistic and terminal performance advantages. The class-leading ballistic coefficients provide flatter trajectories, less wind drift and higher impact velocities. The ELD bullets provide terminal performance far superior to traditional bullet designs over a much wider range of velocities.... Continue Reading
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
How can you claim such high BCs?
All ballistic coefficients (BCs) were determined using Doppler radar by measuring bullet velocity as a function of distance to ranges of up to one mile. Doppler radar provides velocity measurements roughly every one to two feet of the bullet's flight, resulting in exact measurements of velocity loss due to drag. By using state-of-the-art aeroballistics software (6DOF), large amounts of data can be analyzed and computed to provide extremely accurate determinations of projectile drag.
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
Why should I buy your BTHP Match bullets if your tipped bullets are so good?
For match use, many shooters find that one bullet shoots better in their specific rifle than others. BTHP bullets provide another option for match and target shooters to tune loads for the specific application. Click here for more information on Hornady Heat Shield Technology.
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
Why didn't Hornady put the Heat Shield Tip in all of its other tipped bullets?
Doppler radar testing has shown that tip deformation or melting occurs out to ranges of 500 to 600 yards, depending on the ballistic coefficient. Bullets designed for conventional ranges up to 400 yards, such as the SST, do not have long enough time of flight over these distances to show a significant effect of tip deformation in a... Continue Reading
Categorized in: Bullets, Heat Shield Technology
At what temperature do standard tips melt?
Every bullet manufacturer's tips begin to melt and deform depending on their specific material properties. In general, standard acetals and Delrins, currently used in bullet tips, begin to soften and deform at 150 to 200 degrees (F). At 250 to 350 degrees (F), they will begin to melt and badly deform. The longer the exposure... Continue Reading
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
Does velocity make tips melt, or is it just a matter of exposure to aerodynamic friction over time?
It is a function of the softening point of the plastic, air temperature, ballistic coefficient (BC) and the maximum velocity. Basically, it is how long the bullet tip is exposed to what level of temperature. The higher the muzzle velocity, the higher the maximum temperature on the tip. The higher the BC, the longer the tip is exposed to... Continue Reading
Categorized in: Heat Shield Technology
Will the jacket and core of ELD‑X bullets separate since they're not bonded?
High-velocity impacts may occasionally cause the ELD-X bullet jacket to roll back past the InterLock ring during penetration, leading to jacket core separation as the bullet comes to rest. When bullets stop inside an animal, the elasticity of the flesh, and especially the hide, pulls the bullet backward into the animal and often flips... Continue Reading
Categorized in: Ammunition, Bullets