4 of 8 .22 Creedmoor factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 350 yd (Barnes VOR-TX LR 65 gr LRX BT). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes VOR-TX LR 65 gr LRX BT | 65 | 350 | 3,560 | 832 | yes |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 80 gr ELD-X | 80 | 350 | 3,285 | 836 | yes |
| Federal 75 gr Fusion | 75 | 250 | 3,300 | 547 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 70 gr AccuBond | 70 | 250 | 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 |
The 1,000 ft·lb deer figure traces to Townsend Whelen and is the one everyone repeats; Hawks puts the floor nearer 800. An 8–10″ heart/lung zone. Legal: CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd · SD: 1,000 ft·lb at muzzle. Floor used: 1,000 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.outdoorlife.com, www.petersenshunting.com, chuckhawks.com.