Ally Munitions – Cull Buck Series – 22 ARC 80gr Hornady ELD® Match

Cull Buck Series – How Serious Are You?

The Cull Buck Series is built for the serious hunter who demands accuracy, consistency, and dependable terminal performance without paying Premier-level prices.
This isn't magazine-dump-into-trash ammunition. Every round is handloaded with performance at the forefront, extensively tested, and developed around how the ammunition actually performs in real rifles and real hunting conditions.
The 22 ARC 80gr ELD-M has been a long time coming.
One of the biggest reasons we've taken so long to release our 22 ARC ammunition is the sheer amount of testing, evaluation, and data collection we've completed. We don't develop ammunition around one rifle, one barrel length, one temperature, or one impressive chronograph number.
Barrel length, twist rate, gas-system behavior, suppressor design, feeding characteristics, environmental conditions, accuracy, velocity consistency, and long-term operation all matter.
We've collected a tremendous amount of data because every part of an ammunition system works in conjunction with the others. How we arrive at a finalized load depends on understanding those relationships and finding the combination that gives the hunter the best overall outcome.
After all that testing, the 80gr Hornady ELD-M became our clear favorite for this particular 22 ARC application.
The testing is complete. The standards have been met.
The Ally Munitions Cull Buck 22 ARC 80gr ELD-M is officially here.
And it's freakin' awesome.

Why the 80gr ELD-M?

After the amount of testing we've put into the 22 ARC, the Hornady 80gr ELD-M became our favorite projectile for this particular application.
We wanted a projectile that performed exceptionally well across the entire range of barrel lengths commonly encountered with the 22 ARC—not something that only looked good from one specific rifle configuration. The 80gr gives us the combination of accuracy, velocity, external ballistics, terminal performance, and overall compatibility we were looking for.
Projectile length was also an important consideration.
One issue we've encountered with some of the longer, heavier projectiles is that they can be less forgiving of magazine setup, feed angle, and overall rifle tuning. During recoil, cartridges can shift forward in the magazine. As the BCG cycles, an improperly tuned setup can force the cartridge back down, potentially damaging or partially cutting the tip of a longer projectile during feeding.
The slightly shorter profile of the 80gr ELD-M gives us additional room to work with and makes the complete cartridge more forgiving across the wide variety of rifles, magazines, and chamber configurations that exist in the field.
We also really like what the 80gr does within traditional hunting distances. Its combination of velocity and ballistic efficiency gives the hunter excellent practical performance without unnecessarily increasing projectile length or compromising the characteristics we wanted from the complete system.
Across the barrel lengths and 1:7 to 1:7.5 twist rates we've tested, the 80gr ELD-M has consistently produced our favorite overall results.
For what we wanted the Cull Buck 22 ARC to accomplish, the 80gr ELD-M was the clear choice.

Field Performance

While this is our Cull Buck offering, don't mistake that designation for a limitation on what this ammunition can do.
The 80gr ELD-M has become one of our favorite 22 ARC projectiles for deer hunting. We've tested and vetted its performance across the velocity ranges produced by the different barrel lengths in our test platforms, and we've been extremely pleased with the results.
With proper shot placement and within the appropriate impact-velocity envelope, we've observed excellent expansion and substantial disruption inside the chest cavity, resulting in significant energy transfer into the animal.
The low recoil of the 22 ARC is another major advantage. In a properly configured rifle, it makes an excellent option for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters who still want dependable field performance without being punished behind the rifle.
This load isn't limited to deer. It's also an excellent option for hog hunting, capable of long-range shooting, and yes—it will absolutely hammer coyotes when shot placement is correct and the projectile impacts within the appropriate higher-velocity envelope.
Keep in mind that the preferred impact-velocity window for coyotes is not necessarily the same as it is for larger, thicker game. Projectile behavior changes with impact velocity, target size, anatomy, and shot placement.
If coyotes are your primary target and you're shooting them regularly, we'd still point you toward our Coyotero Series. Those offerings are developed specifically around predator hunting and the characteristics we want for that job.
Cull Buck is for the serious hunter who wants an exceptionally versatile 22 ARC load capable of performing across a wide range of real-world applications.
Ultimately, the determining factor in responsibly harvesting an animal remains the shooter. Know your rifle, understand your ballistics, learn to read the wind, place the shot where it needs to go, and understand the limitations of both yourself and your equipment.
How Serious Are You?

Platform Compatibility & Testing

The Cull Buck 22 ARC 80gr ELD-M is designed and tested for use in both semi-automatic and bolt-action 22 ARC rifles.
Our semi-automatic testing was completed using flow-through-style suppressors, while our bolt-action testing was completed using traditional baffled suppressors. Keep this distinction in mind when comparing our published results with what you may see from your individual rifle and suppressor configuration.
We've tested this ammunition across substantial environmental swings, including extreme heat and extreme cold. We don't want to know how ammunition performs only on a comfortable day at the range. We want to understand how the complete system behaves when conditions change.
We're not afraid to push performance when our testing supports it, but velocity alone is never the goal. Reliability, accuracy, feeding, environmental stability, suppressor configuration, barrel length, and overall rifle behavior all have to work together.
We've collected a tremendous amount of data throughout development because every decision that goes into our ammunition depends on these variables working in conjunction with one another to provide the best possible overall outcome.
This is performance-based, handloaded ammunition—not ammunition developed around how quickly you can empty a magazine.
As our testing library continues to grow, we'll publish additional 22 ARC platform data. When that information becomes available, keep in mind that our semi-auto baseline was established using flow-through-style suppressors.

Ballistic Specs

Caliber: 22 ARC
Projectile: Hornady 80gr ELD® Match
Published G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.485
Published G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.244
Recommended Twist Rate: 1:7 to 1:7.5
Platform Compatibility: Semi-Automatic and Bolt-Action Rifles
Intended Use: Deer Hunting, Hog Hunting, Long-Range Shooting, and Occasional Coyote Hunting
Average SD Across Testing: Approximately 14 FPS

Velocity Data

The velocities below are based on our collected live-fire data and Ally Munitions' in-house ballistic modeling. The 24" velocity is modeled from the larger barrel-length data set.
The 30°F column represents our modeled cold-weather performance based on the temperature characteristics of the components used in this offering and the data we've collected during environmental testing.

*24" performance is modeled from our collected barrel-length data and will continue to be validated as additional live-fire data is collected.

How These Velocities Are Calculated: Our In-House Ballistic Engine

Our ballistic data starts with real chronograph results collected through actual test rifles—not generic published velocities or a single test barrel.
That information is incorporated into Ally Munitions' in-house ballistic engine, where we evaluate the larger data set we've accumulated throughout development.
Our modeling considers live-fire chronograph results, barrel length, temperature sensitivity, atmospheric conditions, platform-specific variables, and the real-world velocity variation we've observed during testing.
For the Cull Buck 22 ARC 80gr ELD-M, we've recorded an average SD of approximately 14 FPS across our testing.
The purpose of this data isn't to tell you exactly what your rifle will produce. It's to provide a realistic reference built from the substantial amount of testing and data collection we've completed.
Individual rifles will vary due to chamber specifications, barrel condition, suppressor configuration, environmental conditions, and other platform-specific factors.
Always chronograph your ammunition through your own rifle for true real-world results.

Operational Envelope

To help customers better understand the potential downrange capability of this ammunition, Ally Munitions uses two separate models that together make up what we call the Operational Envelope.
MIVM — Minimum Impact Velocity Model: Gives you a generalized idea of the distance at which the projectile remains above our established minimum impact velocity. Simply put, the MIVM helps show where the projectile can be expected to perform more predictably in the target.
TVM — Transonic Velocity Model: Gives you a generalized idea of the distance at which the projectile remains above our 1,350 FPS transonic reference. Above this reference, the projectile's flight can generally be modeled more predictably using traditional ballistic models. Once velocity falls below this region, projectile flight can become slightly less predictable and traditional ballistic models may not represent actual downrange performance as consistently.
Both are models. They are intended to give you a generalized idea of the ammunition's potential Operational Envelope based on Ally Munitions' collected data and testing. They are not guarantees of exact performance or recommended hunting or shooting distances.

MIVM — Minimum Impact Velocity Model

For the 80gr Hornady ELD-M, Ally Munitions uses 1,700 FPS as the minimum impact velocity reference.

The MIVM helps you understand where the projectile is modeled to remain within its more predictable terminal-performance envelope in the target.
This does not mean that every shot inside the modeled distance will produce identical terminal performance, nor does it establish a recommended maximum hunting distance. Actual impact velocity, shot placement, target anatomy, angle, environmental conditions, and other variables can affect terminal performance.

TVM — Transonic Velocity Model

For this ammunition, Ally Munitions uses 1,350 FPS as our transonic velocity reference.

The TVM helps you understand the distance over which the projectile's flight can generally be modeled more predictably using traditional ballistic models.
Once the projectile falls below the transonic reference, its flight can become slightly less predictable and actual downrange performance may begin to vary more from traditional ballistic predictions.

Understanding the Operational Envelope

Together, the MIVM and TVM make up the Ally Munitions Operational Envelope.
The MIVM provides a modeled reference for predictable performance in the target, while the TVM provides a modeled reference for predictable performance in flight.
These models are built from Ally Munitions' collected data, test elevation, temperature, and environmental conditions and are designed to give you a generalized idea of what to expect.
They are not guarantees of exact performance, maximum hunting distances, or maximum shooting distances.
Always chronograph the ammunition through your individual rifle and establish and verify your own ballistic data.

Packaging & Storage

Inside the outer sleeve, the Cull Buck 22 ARC 80gr ELD-M is packaged in a heavy-mil sealed, resealable bag with a silica gel pack inside.
There is a reason we package our ammunition this way.
We've spent a significant amount of time developing and testing the variables that affect ammunition and component storage. Just like temperature, barrel length, chamber specifications, and other variables matter when we're collecting performance data, how ammunition and its components are stored matters as well.
Our goal is to maintain the most consistent storage environment reasonably possible. You don't want ammunition exposed to excessive moisture, but you also don't want to unnecessarily expose it to extreme environmental conditions or allow its storage environment to fluctuate constantly.
The heavy-mil bag provides an additional barrier between the ammunition and the outside environment, while the included silica gel pack helps manage moisture inside the package.
After opening the package, we recommend leaving the silica gel pack inside and resealing the bag when you're finished. Don't throw the bag away just because you've opened it—it is part of the packaging system.
For long-term storage, keep the ammunition in a stable, temperature-controlled environment whenever possible and avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat, direct sunlight, high humidity, or large environmental swings.
We've put a tremendous amount of effort into controlling how our components and finished ammunition are stored before they reach you. Maintaining those same good storage practices after purchase gives you the best opportunity for consistent results when it's finally time to load the rifle and head into the field.

Legal & Safety Disclaimer

You must be 18 years or older to purchase rifle ammunition.
Always confirm your firearm is properly chambered in 22 ARC before use.
All ammunition sales are final.
Know and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding the purchase, possession, transportation, storage, and use of ammunition.
All firearms are different. Chamber dimensions, headspace, barrel condition, suppressor configuration, operating system, environmental conditions, and other platform-specific variables can affect pressure, velocity, reliability, and overall firearm behavior.
When introducing any new ammunition to your firearm, always inspect your firearm and fired cases for abnormal pressure signs or unexpected behavior. If you observe abnormal pressure signs, extraction problems, damaged cases, unusual firearm behavior, or other concerns, discontinue use and have the firearm and ammunition evaluated before continuing.
Published Ally Munitions velocities, MIVM distances, TVM distances, and other ballistic information are based on our test platforms, collected data, and in-house modeling. Actual results from your individual firearm may vary.
Always follow safe firearm-handling practices and all instructions and limitations provided by your firearm and component manufacturers.

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.