3 of 4 .257 Wby Mag factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 350 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 110 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 110 gr ELD-X | 110 | 350 | 3,240 | 1,233 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 110 gr AccuBond | 110 | 350 | 3,400 | 1,252 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 90 gr CX | 90 | 200 | 3,625 | 735 | yes |
| Norma 100 gr Whitetail SP | 100 | wrong bullet | 3,510 | 682 | 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.