Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition in .280 Ackley Improved (part no. 85586) loads a 162-grain ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag eXpanding) bullet built to perform whether the shot breaks at 50 yards or 500. The Heat Shield tip resists the aerodynamic heating that can degrade lesser polymer tips, holding its shape to maintain a high ballistic coefficient across the bullet’s full trajectory. At high-velocity, close-range impacts the bullet expands continually through its penetration path, while a thick jacket shank and InterLock ring keep 50 to 60 percent of its weight; at low-velocity, long-range impacts the Heat Shield tip drives backward to initiate expansion, still retaining 85 to 90 percent of its weight. This rifle ammunition is built around that any-range consistency.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is .280 Ackley Improved, an Improved case that adds velocity and reach over standard .280 Remington.
• The bullet weighs 162 grains, a versatile weight for deer-sized and larger big game.
• The bullet type is ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag eXpanding), Hornady’s any-range hunting bullet.
• The Heat Shield tip resists aerodynamic heating, holding the bullet’s high ballistic coefficient across its full trajectory.
• At close, high-velocity impacts, the bullet expands continually through its penetration path while retaining 50 to 60 percent of its weight.
• At long-range, low-velocity impacts, the tip drives backward to initiate expansion, still retaining 85 to 90 percent of its weight.
• The case material is brass, giving reliable extraction and standard reloading compatibility.
• Cost runs about $2.16 per round, in line with premium any-range hunting ammunition.
• Each box holds 20 rounds, enough to confirm zero and still hunt the season.
• Ten boxes ship per case, letting hunters buy by the case for the best per-round value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ELD-X perform differently at close and long range? At close, high-velocity range it expands continually along its path, while at long, low-velocity range the Heat Shield tip drives backward to trigger expansion, so it performs reliably at either end.

What makes the Heat Shield tip different from a standard polymer tip? It resists the aerodynamic heating that can deform or melt lesser polymer tips in flight, helping the bullet hold its ballistic coefficient over distance.

What game is the 162gr ELD-X suited for? It is a versatile weight well suited to deer, antelope, and similarly sized big game across any practical hunting range.

Buy Hornady Precision Hunter .280 AI 162gr

One bullet that performs whether the range is measured in yards or football fields is exactly what Precision Hunter is engineered to deliver. Order from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop and it ships fast to your door.