No .22 Nosler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Expansion Tip 55 gr E-Tip | 55 | not enough | 3,500 | 479 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 70 gr AccuBond | 70 | not enough | 2,950 | 465 | yes |
| Nosler 53 gr Varmageddon FB Tipped | 53 | wrong bullet | 3,450 | 442 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 55 gr Ballistic Tip Varmint | 55 | wrong bullet | 3,500 | 398 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler 62 gr Varmageddon FBHP | 62 | wrong bullet | 3,250 | 336 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 70 gr RDF | 70 | wrong bullet | 3,000 | 561 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 77 gr Custom Competition | 77 | wrong bullet | 2,950 | 419 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 85 gr RDF | 85 | wrong bullet | 2,750 | 581 | 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.