Which one is tougher in actual use?

Dunno. I've only used the ELD-X in 6.5.

Looking over the literature of both I'm inclined to think it's a wash.

One uses the interlock, but the other looks to have way more metal in it's butt that perhaps helps with penetration/momentum.

In terms of availability, I can drive over right now to the local SW and buy 100's of 6.5 ELD-X. Nosler anything, not so much.

As a heads up, Midway USA has 6.5 / 140 Ballistic Tips in stock (2 box max)

Just ordered 100 bullets. Wanted Accubonds, but I'm not a total idiot . . .

There is a ballistic gel penetration test on YouTube wherein the 140 BT does "better" than the 143 ELD-X, if penetrating straight and deep with a good mushroom is better, which many would say it is.
I tried to find the video but there are so many there I couldn't. Plenty to look at. I've not hunted with either of these, though I have a lot of them.
Rex

Thanks TRex…

I have had no experience with the ELDX’s but I would have full confidence in the ballistic tips. A friend who has shot several deer with the ELDX, hates them. Says they pencil in and tiny exit wounds. Not sure I buy that but I hope not because my 6.5-06 loves the eldx’s.

I have some experience with the ELD-X in both 6.5 and 7mm. My son has shot a couple deer with his 6.5 creed and the 143gr both under 100yds. I've used the 150gr in my 280AckImp with shots ranging from 60ish to 175yds. We shoulder shoot deer when possible and every deer shot with the ELD-X has been a bang flop save the 1 I gut shot moving through the woods and had to finish off. They expand nicely at all distances and seem to hold their jackets to the core. They're not bonded obviously but the bullet I managed to find shed approx 50% of its weight and created serious internal trauma. I like them and will continue to load them.

I cant speak for the 140BT as I have not hunted with that bullet. But I have shot deer with the 143 ELD-X in 6.5 Creed. I agree with 84Mtn_EER. Bang flop when shot in the shoulder. Complete pass through. No tracking necessary, but plenty of blood on the ground from the exit wound. I will continue to use them also.

Found a few pictures of ELD-X performance I thought I would share.

This is a 7mm 150gr ELD-x I recovered from an 8pt, that I intially gut shot as it was moving through the woods. I had to track the buck up and make a follow up shot. The follow up shot that led to this bullet being recovered was roughly 60ish yds. This load was 60.5 gr H4831sc with a avg velocity of 2963fps.




This doe was shot broadside from about 150 yds. Same load as above, 60.5 gr H4831sc with a avg velocity of 2963fps. Bang, Flop, exit wound is shown in the picture.



These pictures show the damage done on the inside. This is the same doe as in the picture above.
Exit wound is on the left side ribcage


Exit Wound side under the hide

That outta work…..

I shot this doe quartering away from me at about 75yds with a 6.5 Creed 143 ELD-X. Bang flop, she didn't even twitch. never knew what hit her.