Hornady Precision Hunter .243 Winchester 90gr ELD-X Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • ELD-X
Hornady Precision Hunter .243 Winchester 90gr ELD-X Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • ELD-X
Trajectory @ 100yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3150 fps | 1983 ft-lb | — |
| 25 yds | 3088 fps | 1906 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 50 yds | 3028 fps | 1833 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 75 yds | 2969 fps | 1762 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 100 yds ⊕ | 2910 fps | 1693 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 125 yds | 2852 fps | 1626 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 150 yds | 2796 fps | 1562 ft-lb | -0.7" |
| 175 yds | 2739 fps | 1500 ft-lb | -1.5" |
| 200 yds | 2684 fps | 1440 ft-lb | -2.6" |
| 225 yds | 2629 fps | 1382 ft-lb | -4.0" |
| 250 yds | 2575 fps | 1325 ft-lb | -5.7" |
| 275 yds | 2521 fps | 1271 ft-lb | -7.7" |
| 300 yds | 2469 fps | 1218 ft-lb | -10.1" |
| 325 yds | 2416 fps | 1167 ft-lb | -12.8" |
| 350 yds | 2365 fps | 1118 ft-lb | -15.9" |
| 375 yds | 2314 fps | 1070 ft-lb | -19.3" |
| 400 yds | 2263 fps | 1024 ft-lb | -23.2" |
| 425 yds | 2213 fps | 979 ft-lb | -27.5" |
| 450 yds | 2164 fps | 936 ft-lb | -32.3" |
| 475 yds | 2115 fps | 895 ft-lb | -37.5" |
| 500 yds | 2068 fps | 854 ft-lb | -43.2" |
Product Overview
The Hornady Precision Hunter .243 Winchester sends a 90-grain ELD-X bullet downrange at 3150 feet per second, delivering 1983 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The ELD-X features Hornady's Heat Shield tip—a polymer point engineered to resist deformation from aerodynamic heating during flight. This maintains the bullet's advertised G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.409 from muzzle to target, a significant advantage over conventional polymer tips that can melt and degrade accuracy at longer ranges.
What makes the ELD-X stand out is its dual-purpose design. At close range with high impact velocities, the bullet expands aggressively. At extended distances where velocity drops, the InterLock ring and thicker jacket shank ensure the bullet still opens up and performs. This versatility means you can load one round for everything from a 75-yard timber shot to a 400-yard crosswind opportunity without worrying about bullet failure at either extreme.
This ammunition serves hunters who take their .243 Winchester seriously for longer-range work. The high BC keeps the bullet supersonic past 800 yards in standard conditions, though practical hunting shots stay well inside that. Deer, antelope, and hog hunters working open country will appreciate the flat trajectory and wind resistance. The 90-grain weight offers enough mass for clean kills while keeping recoil comfortable for extended range sessions and follow-up shots.
- Heat Shield tip resists aerodynamic melting, maintaining the 0.409 BC throughout flight unlike conventional polymer tips
- Highest velocity of common .243 hunting loads at 3150 fps, providing flat trajectory for longer shots
- InterLock ring prevents jacket-core separation while allowing consistent expansion across a wide velocity range
- Dual-purpose design performs reliably from 100 to 400+ yards without needing to switch ammunition
- Premium price point—costs significantly more than basic soft points for hunters on a budget
- 90-grain bullet may lack penetration on larger game or steep quartering angles compared to 100-grain options
- Advanced features provide diminishing returns for hunters who only take shots inside 200 yards
- Higher velocity generates more meat damage on close-range shots through the ribs
All Hornady Precision Hunter .243 Winchester 90gr ELD-X Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 200 | $420.00 | $18.92 | $438.92 | $2.19 |
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $43.00 | $17.68 | $60.68 | $3.03 |
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