1 of 4 .257 Roberts factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 250 yd (Nosler Trophy Grade 110 gr AccuBond). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Trophy Grade 110 gr AccuBond | 110 | 250 | 3,050 | 970 | yes |
| Hornady Superformance 117 gr SST | 117 | wrong bullet | 2,946 | 888 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester 117 gr Power-Point | 117 | wrong bullet | 2,780 | 403 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 117 gr Core-Lokt Soft Point | 117 | wrong bullet | 2,650 | 364 | 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.