4 of 4 .257 Wby Mag factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 600 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 | 600 | 3,240 | 1,233 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 110 gr AccuBond | 110 | 600 | 3,400 | 1,252 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 90 gr CX | 90 | 350 | 3,625 | 735 | yes |
| Norma 100 gr Whitetail SP | 100 | 350 | 3,510 | 682 | 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.