7 of 16 .300 PRC factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 850 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 212 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 212 gr ELD-X | 212 | 850 | 2,860 | 2,271 | yes |
| Federal 210 gr Terminal Ascent | 210 | 800 | 2,850 | 2,236 | yes |
| Federal 212 gr ELD-X | 212 | 800 | 2,860 | 2,261 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX LR 208 gr LRX BT | 208 | 750 | 2,860 | 2,159 | yes |
| Norma 180 gr Bondstrike | 180 | 750 | 3,051 | 2,123 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 190 gr CX | 190 | 650 | 3,000 | 2,070 | yes |
| Norma 165 gr Ecostrike | 165 | 550 | 3,182 | 1,654 | yes |
| Hornady 225 gr ELD Match | 225 | wrong bullet | 2,810 | 2,514 | behind the shoulder only |
| Berger 215 gr Hybrid Target | 215 | wrong bullet | 2,940 | 2,526 | behind the shoulder only |
| Berger 245 gr Elite Hunter | 245 | wrong bullet | 2,720 | 2,607 | behind the shoulder only |
| Berger 217 gr Elite Hunter | 217 | wrong bullet | 2,800 | 2,264 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington Premier Long Range 215 gr Speer Impact | 215 | wrong bullet | 2,850 | 2,270 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady V-Match 174 gr ELD-VT | 174 | wrong bullet | 3,150 | 2,110 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 220 gr Golden Target HPBT | 220 | wrong bullet | 2,789 | 2,030 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady American Whitetail TIPPED 165 gr SST | 165 | wrong bullet | 3,200 | 1,729 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 180 gr ODIN | 180 | wrong bullet | 3,051 | 1,735 | 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.