Few rifle cartridges in America see more use across more rifles than the .308 Winchester, and Hornady Precision Hunter .308 Winchester 178-grain ELD-X ammunition (brand part no. 80994) gives that cartridge a genuinely long-range hunting bullet. The 178-grain ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) carries a Heat Shield polymer tip that resists the frictional heating that ruins the ballistic coefficient of ordinary polymer-tipped bullets at distance. Out to about 400 yards the bullet expands continuously as it penetrates; past that range, the impact itself drives the Heat Shield tip back into the core, triggering expansion even as velocity drops off. Hornady’s InterLock ring keeps the jacket bonded to the core through that expansion, so the bullet holds 50 to 90 percent of its original weight and still reaches vitals on a quartering shot. For hunters who already run a .308 for everything from deer to elk, this is the load that stretches the cartridge’s effective range within our rifle ammunition lineup.

Key Specifications

• The caliber is .308 Winchester, one of the most widely chambered hunting cartridges in North America.
• The bullet weighs 178 grains, a heavier option built for penetration on larger-bodied game.
• The bullet is Hornady’s ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding), designed for a high ballistic coefficient and dependable expansion.
• The Heat Shield polymer tip resists the aerodynamic heating that degrades accuracy in other polymer-tipped bullets at long range.
• Inside about 400 yards, the bullet expands continuously through the wound channel for rapid energy transfer.
• At longer range and lower impact velocity, the Heat Shield tip drives back into the bullet to start expansion.
• The InterLock ring bonds core to jacket, so the bullet retains between 50 and 90 percent of its weight after impact.
• The case is brass, supporting reliable extraction and consistent seating.
• Each box holds 20 rounds, with 10 boxes packed per case for hunters who want a full season of ammunition on hand.
• At roughly $2.12 per round, the cost reflects the Heat Shield-tipped ELD-X bullet construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 178 grains too heavy for deer with a .308? No, 178 grains is a proven weight for deer and works well on larger game like elk, thanks to its penetration and weight retention.

What is the InterLock ring for? It mechanically bonds the bullet’s jacket to its core, helping the ELD-X retain 50 to 90 percent of its weight through expansion.

Does this load still expand reliably past 400 yards? Yes, the Heat Shield tip is engineered to drive back into the bullet at reduced velocity, initiating expansion even at longer range.

Buy Hornady Precision Hunter .308 Winchester 178gr ELD-X

The .308 has earned its reputation one clean harvest at a time, and the 178-grain ELD-X gives it the reach to keep that streak going at distance. Confirm your zero and let the Heat Shield tip handle the rest when the shot presents itself. Order from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop and it ships fast to your door.