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In 2012, after seeing an increasing interest in long-range shooting, Hornady decided to develop a match-accurate, reliably expanding hunting bullet for use at extended ranges. But the challenge set before Hornady’s engineers was to develop a projectile that would embody the company’s keystones—”Accurate, Deadly, Dependable”—at any distance. After overcoming obstacles with the tip of the bullet expanding due to aerodynamic heating, Hornady was able to create a bullet with match-grade accuracy, high retained velocity and energy, and impressive terminal ballistics from less than 100 yards to beyond 800 yards. Thus the ELD-X bullet, standing for Extreme Low Drag-eXpanding, was formed. Check out this video from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV where Joe Kurtenbach visits Hornady's headquarters in Grand Island, Neb., to test the ELD-X Ammunition.
Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.
In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.
U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.
Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.
While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.