Hornady adds a 176 gr ELD-X load in 6.8 Western to its Precision Hunter line, listed at 2,825 fps from a 24-inch test barrel.
Why it matters
It gives 6.8 Western rifle owners a factory ELD-X hunting load from Hornady, with published velocity, energy and drop out to 500 yards.
Full specs
| Item | 80561 |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 6.8 Western |
| Bullet | 176 gr ELD-X (Heat Shield tip) |
| Box | 20 rounds |
| Test barrel | 24 in. |
| Muzzle | 2,825 fps, 3,118 ft-lb |
| 100 yd | 2,688 fps, 2,823 ft-lb |
| 200 yd | 2,555 fps |
| 300 yd | 2,425 fps, -7.0 in. |
| 400 yd | 2,300 fps, -19.9 in. |
| 500 yd | 2,178 fps, 1,854 ft-lb, -39.3 in. |
Specs from: Hornady product page[1], Hornady 2027 new-products release[2]. Checked Oct 25, 2026. Where sources disagree we use the maker's figure. Specs the maker has not published are left out. Trajectory figures are Hornady's, with the 200-yard zero shown as 0 on the product page.
Status history
Verification logLast status check: Oct 25, 2026
Announced Oct. 14, 2026 as part of Hornady's 2027 new-product release. Hornady gave no price or ship date.
Who it's for: Hunters and shooters who want a new factory load for their rifle.
Compare with
Similar new releases at a similar price, from our database:
| Product | Status | MSRP | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Precision Hunter 6.8 Western 176 gr ELD-X (this page) | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Hornady SBR Suppressed Supersonic Ammunition | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Hornady Critical Defense Heavy Magnum 12 GA 3 in. #1 Nickel Shotshell | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Federal Berger Elite Hunter 7mm PRC 195gr | Shipping | $84.99 | Sep 24, 2026 |
