No .17 Rem factory load we have sourced carries 1,500 ft·lb for elk past the muzzle. Here is why, load by load.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma Hornady V-MAX (Norma-loaded) 20 gr | 20 | wrong bullet | 4,199 | 118 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 20 gr Varmageddon FB Tipped | 20 | wrong bullet | 4,200 | 115 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 20 gr Varmageddon FBHP | 20 | wrong bullet | 4,200 | 43 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington Premier AccuTip-V 20 gr | 20 | wrong bullet | 4,250 | 121 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington High Performance Rifle 25 gr Hollow Point | 25 | wrong bullet | 4,040 | 118 | behind the shoulder only |
1,500 ft·lb is the number most repeated (Guns & Ammo, Backfire); Hawks says 1,200, Boddington floats 2,000. Avoid quick-opening and match bullets. Legal: SD: ≥ .243 and 1,700 ft·lb at muzzle · CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd, ≥ 85 gr. Floor used: 1,500 ft·lb at impact plus the bullet's published expansion velocity. Orange = a target or varmint bullet (construction, not energy); red = never carries the energy. Sources: www.gunsandammo.com, www.chuckhawks.com, www.petersenshunting.com, regulations.justia.com.