Assign the elemental selection to the D-pad or hold red / circle.
Anything but hold blue.
Every time you open a chest or pick up an item - it switches elements and same with the hard light .
Hold blue could even bring up an element wheel so you can select one without having to go through each one.
**edit**
In response to “Gouldbear988” and his excellent suggestion and also having taken the time to obtain and unlock the catalyst for this sniper, I have to say underwhelming.
The catalyst should have double reload speed or added box breathing at minimum.
Gouldbear988 suggested the catalysts “automatically matches elements”
I take no credit for this idea and listing it on the main post!!
Thoughts and suggestions <?!
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It should just be that the 'on-srceen prompt' takes precedence over the reload/change element mechanic.