4 of 8 .22 Creedmoor factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 150 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 | 150 | 3,285 | 836 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX LR 65 gr LRX BT | 65 | 100 | 3,560 | 832 | yes |
| Federal 75 gr Fusion | 75 | 50 | 3,300 | 547 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 70 gr AccuBond | 70 | 50 | 3,350 | 647 | yes |
| Hornady V-Match 69 gr ELD-VT | 69 | wrong bullet | 3,550 | 863 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady 80 gr ELD Match | 80 | wrong bullet | 3,285 | 842 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 85 gr RDF | 85 | wrong bullet | 3,175 | 823 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal American Eagle 75 gr TMJ | 75 | wrong bullet | 3,300 | 686 | 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.