Drew Miles Podcast sits down with Seth Swerczek from Hornady for a deep-dive on bullet design and real-world terminal performance. They break down varmint vs match vs hunting bullets, why some projectiles can be “lights out” and others can be inconsistent, and how velocity windows drive expansion and penetration. The conversation hits everything from V-MAX nostalgia and modern ELD-VT performance, to the truth behind ELD-M vs ELD-X construction, energy debates, and practical caliber choices for elk. They close with a focused recommendation for .22 Creedmoor loads (80gr ELD-X and 69gr ELD-VT) and a quick detour into 7PRC vs 280 Ackley, plus some desert dirt-bike talk.

Key takeaways / bullets (for show notes page)

• Lead-core varmint bullets (example: V-MAX) create dramatic terminal effect on coyotes compared to many monolithic copper options that can “pencil” through thin-skinned game.
• ELD-VT (Varmint Target) is positioned as a modern, fast-twist varmint bullet line: low-drag shape + explosive terminal behavior.
• Factory match ammo has closed the gap with handloads for many rifles; modern chambers/twist rates can be more forgiving and consistent.
• ELD-M vs ELD-X: externally similar in some weights, but internally different (jacket thickness/taper + core retention features) which changes consistency and “performance envelope” on game.
• Match bullets can absolutely work on animals, but “sometimes” is the problem—consistency matters more than best-case performance.
• Velocity is a driver for bullet function; too slow can fail to open, too fast can cause shallow blow-up depending on design.
• For elk-sized game, Seth’s personal preference trends toward 7mm (not necessarily “more energy,” but appropriate diameter + bullet design + confidence).
• 7PRC’s “why” (vs custom 7 mag / 280 AI): off-the-shelf ability to run long, high-BC bullets in factory rifles/ammo without custom mags/reamers/higher-pressure handload gymnastics.
• .22 Creedmoor: Seth’s field experience is strongly positive with 80gr ELD-X for deer/antelope and even larger plains game; 69gr ELD-VT is his coyote “medicine.”