Please don’t misunderstand, as I’m not trying to bash anybody or be condescending... but, I think a lot of people set unrealistic expectations of how these bullets (or any LR bullet) should perform at relatively close distances/high impact velocity (this may be due to marketing hype and/or a lack of knowledge of the product [again, not trying to be condescending here]). Honestly, punching through the “leg bone” (I’m assuming the knuckle based on the expectation of the shot placement being lethal?) of an elk under 200 yds then making it into the chest cavity with satisfactory performance is a tall order for just about any bullet, let alone a bullet designed for LR hunting.
When selecting a bullet I think there are a couple things to consider to ensure you are not disappointed with performance...
- How far are you really going to be shooting? If you don’t intend to shoot beyond 500 yds with most common hunting cartridges, then there really isn’t a NEED for a LR bullet. On the contrary, if there is a possibility of a long shot there is definitely a NEED for a LR bullet.
- How do you want the bullet to perform? ( do you want high weight retention, perfect mushroom, and 2 holes? Or are you comfortable with a more frangible bullet that “dumps” all its energy inside the cavity? )
.... just like everything in life, there is always some give and take and bullets are no different ... No LR hunting bullet is going to consistently give you that intact, high weight retention, mushroomed bullet with an exit hole in close (higher impact velocities).... just like you cannot count on an accubond opening at 1,000 yds (lower impact velocity)
After several big game animals taken both long and in close (as close as 30 yds), I have been very satisfied with the performance of the ELD-X (and ELD-M).... But I want a LR bullet.... and while the ELD’s don’t perform like an accubond in close they’ll still penetrate through a scapula and take out the vitals, which is adequate for me. Matter of fact, I actually prefer the way they “dump” their energy in the cavity rather than the high weight retention and exit hole of an accubond. They’re definitely not for everyone, but I like them.