1 of 5 .22 ARC factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 50 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 80 gr ELD-X). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Precision Hunter 80 gr ELD-X | 80 | 50 | 3,010 | 777 | yes |
| Hornady Superformance 70 gr CX | 70 | not enough | 3,125 | 615 | yes |
| Hornady V-Match 62 gr ELD-VT | 62 | wrong bullet | 3,300 | 630 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Hornady BLACK 75 gr ELD Match | 75 | wrong bullet | 3,075 | 747 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady 88 gr ELD Match | 88 | wrong bullet | 2,820 | 777 | 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.