No .223 WSSM factory load we have sourced carries 1,500 ft·lb for moose past the muzzle. Here is why, load by load.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Superformance Varmint 55 gr V-MAX | 55 | wrong bullet | 3,850 | 471 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester Super-X 55 gr Pointed Soft Point | 55 | wrong bullet | 3,850 | 407 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester 64 gr Power-Point | 64 | wrong bullet | 3,600 | 398 | behind the shoulder only |
At least 1,500 ft·lb at impact, ideally nearer 2,000, with a bullet that stays together. Legal: 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.chuckhawks.com, www.nhrifleman.com.