Hornady markets its Precision Hunter 162-grain ELD-X for large game, and it is the load to pick when shots stretch out toward 500 yards. The ELD-X is a polymer-tipped hunting bullet with a long, low-drag shape, rated at a G1 BC of .631, and it leaves the muzzle at 2,940 fps.

Compared with Hornady's Superformance 162-grain SST, the ELD-X starts 90 fps slower but holds up better in wind. At 500 yards, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the range pushes the ELD-X about 13 inches sideways and the SST about 15. The SST also kicks about 4 percent harder in the same rifle. Compared with Federal's Vital-Shok Trophy Bonded Tip 160, which leaves the muzzle at the same 2,940 fps, the ELD-X keeps more of its speed downrange. The same wind pushes the Trophy Bonded Tip about 16 inches at 500 yards, and zeroed at 100 yards it drops about 47 inches there, against about 44 for the ELD-X.

Buy the Precision Hunter if you hunt large game in open country, where wind and distance are the hard part of the shot. Pick the Superformance 162-grain SST if most of your shots are closer and you want the extra speed at the muzzle. Pick the Trophy Bonded Tip if you want Federal's bonded bullet, which Federal markets for the "full spectrum of medium and big game." Pick Federal's Barnes TSX 160 if you want a copper bullet with no lead core, but expect more drift: the same wind pushes it about 23 inches at 500 yards.