5 of 6 .26 Nosler factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 950 yd (Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 142 gr AccuBond Long Range). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 142 gr AccuBond Long Range | 142 | 950 | 3,300 | 1,919 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 129 gr AccuBond Long Range | 129 | 900 | 3,400 | 1,768 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 150 gr AccuBond Long Range | 150 | 900 | 3,200 | 1,854 | yes |
| Nosler 140 gr Ballistic Tip Hunting | 140 | 750 | 3,200 | 1,526 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 140 gr AccuBond | 140 | 750 | 3,300 | 1,642 | yes |
| Nosler Match Grade 140 gr Custom Competition | 140 | wrong bullet | 3,200 | 1,572 | 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.