2 of 8 .22 Nosler factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 150 yd (Nosler Expansion Tip 55 gr E-Tip). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Expansion Tip 55 gr E-Tip | 55 | 150 | 3,500 | 479 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 70 gr AccuBond | 70 | 150 | 2,950 | 465 | yes |
| Nosler Match Grade 85 gr RDF | 85 | wrong bullet | 2,750 | 581 | behind the shoulder only |
| 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 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 62 gr Varmageddon FBHP | 62 | wrong bullet | 3,250 | 336 | 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.