2 of 4 .25 Creedmoor factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 700 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 128 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 128 gr ELD-X | 128 | 700 | 2,850 | 1,307 | yes |
| Hornady Superformance 112 gr CX | 112 | 650 | 3,150 | 1,287 | yes |
| Hornady 134 gr ELD Match | 134 | wrong bullet | 2,800 | 1,304 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady V-Match 95 gr ELD-VT | 95 | wrong bullet | 3,250 | 1,043 | 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.