First Impressions of Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off
The Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off promises exceptional long-range accuracy and consistent terminal performance for hunting and target shooting. Manufactured by Federal, this ammunition combines the proven reliability of Federal primers and brass with the advanced ELD-X bullet design from Hornady. This combination aims to deliver superior ballistic coefficients and controlled expansion upon impact.
My quest for a reliable, accurate, and ethical hunting round in .308 led me to this ammunition. I needed something that could consistently group well at longer ranges while delivering sufficient energy on target for clean kills on medium-sized game like deer and hogs. The ELD-X bullet’s reputation for consistent expansion at various velocities piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the packaging. The rounds were neatly organized and well-protected, a positive sign of Federal‘s attention to detail. The brass cases were clean and consistent, and the ELD-X bullets appeared uniform, indicating good quality control.
Compared to other .308 options like the Remington Core-Lokt or Winchester Power Point, the Federal Premium ELD-X stood out due to its higher ballistic coefficient and more advanced bullet design. While the Core-Lokt and Power Point are reliable performers at shorter ranges, I needed the improved long-range capabilities offered by the ELD-X bullet. The price point was also reasonable, especially considering the advanced bullet technology.
I was definitely excited to try the Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X ammunition. The reputation of both Federal and the ELD-X bullet raised my expectations, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at a local shooting range, known for its 300-yard lanes. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze – typical conditions for deer season. I used my Tikka T3x Lite rifle, chambered in .308, equipped with a Vortex Viper PST Gen II scope.
The Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X ammunition performed flawlessly. The rounds chambered smoothly, and the recoil was manageable and consistent with other .308 loads. After a quick sight-in, I began shooting groups at 100 and 200 yards, consistently achieving sub-MOA accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of range practice and a full hunting season, the Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X ammunition has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve fired over 200 rounds with zero malfunctions. The ammunition has been stored in various conditions, from a climate-controlled safe to a truck bed during hunts, and it has always performed consistently.
The brass cases show no signs of excessive pressure or deformation after firing, indicating a well-balanced load. Cleaning my rifle after using this ammunition is straightforward, with minimal fouling. Compared to cheaper, bulk-packed ammunition, the Federal Premium ELD-X offers a noticeable improvement in consistency and cleanliness.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Federal.
Caliber: .308 Winchester.
Number of Rounds: 20.
Bullet Type: Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding (ELD-X).
Bullet Weight: 178 grain.
Muzzle Velocity: 2750 ft/s.
Muzzle Energy: 2992 ft-lbs.
Application: Target/Hunting.
Primer Style: Centerfire.
G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.552.
Bullet Tip Material: Polymer.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The .308 Winchester caliber is a versatile and widely available cartridge suitable for a variety of game and target shooting applications. The 178-grain ELD-X bullet’s high ballistic coefficient allows it to retain velocity and resist wind drift at longer ranges, improving accuracy and energy delivery on target.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition performs exceptionally well in both target shooting and hunting scenarios. The ammunition delivers consistent accuracy, with sub-MOA groups achievable in rifles capable of it. The ELD-X bullet provides reliable expansion and deep penetration, ensuring ethical kills on medium-sized game.
The only potential weakness is the higher cost compared to some other .308 options. However, the superior performance and reliability justify the price for serious hunters and shooters. This ammunition consistently exceeds expectations for accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Federal Premium ELD-X ammunition is designed for optimal ballistic performance. The ELD-X bullet features a secant ogive and boat-tail design, reducing drag and improving flight stability. The quality of the brass and primers ensures reliable ignition and consistent performance.
The ammunition is easy to handle and load into magazines. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium ELD-X ammunition is designed to be stored and used under a variety of conditions. The high-quality brass cases are corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term storage without degradation. With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years.
Cleaning a rifle after using this ammunition is relatively easy. There is minimal fouling compared to some other types of ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition does not require any specific accessories. It is designed to perform optimally in any .308 Winchester rifle. However, pairing this ammunition with a high-quality optic, like a Vortex or Leupold scope, can further enhance accuracy and long-range capabilities.
This ammunition is compatible with any standard .308 Winchester rifle and magazines. No modifications are necessary to use this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups in capable rifles.
- High ballistic coefficient: Improves long-range performance and reduces wind drift.
- Reliable expansion: ELD-X bullet provides consistent and controlled expansion for ethical kills.
- Consistent performance: Rounds chamber smoothly, ignite reliably, and deliver uniform velocities.
- High-quality components: Federal brass and primers ensure durability and reliability.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than some other .308 options.
- May not be necessary for short-range shooting: The benefits of the ELD-X bullet are most apparent at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking ethical kills at longer ranges. It’s also ideal for competitive shooters who demand accuracy and consistency. Precision target shooters seeking optimal ballistic performance will also greatly benefit from using the Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition.
Those primarily shooting at short ranges (under 100 yards) might find other, less expensive ammunition options more suitable. Individuals on a very tight budget may also want to consider alternative .308 loads.
A high-quality scope is a must-have accessory to maximize the accuracy potential of this ammunition. A bipod or shooting rest is also recommended for achieving consistent groups at longer ranges.
Conclusion on Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off
The Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition P308ELDX1 $3.10 Off is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking exceptional accuracy and reliable terminal performance in .308 Winchester. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, the superior ballistic coefficient and consistent expansion of the ELD-X bullet make it well worth the investment for serious hunters and competitive shooters. The combination of Federal‘s quality brass and primers with Hornady’s advanced bullet design results in ammunition that consistently delivers impressive results.
The price is justified by the increased accuracy, reliability, and ethical performance on game. I would personally and enthusiastically recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a premium .308 load.
If you’re looking for ammunition that can deliver consistent sub-MOA accuracy and reliable expansion at longer ranges, the Federal Premium 308 Win 178 Grain ELD-X Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is an excellent choice. Invest in your accuracy and ethical hunting – you won’t be disappointed.