3 of 4 .300 Rem SAUM factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 600 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 178 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 178 gr ELD-X | 178 | 600 | 2,950 | 1,826 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 180 gr Partition | 180 | 550 | 2,950 | 1,639 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 165 gr Partition | 165 | 450 | 3,025 | 1,402 | yes |
| Remington 165 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt | 165 | wrong bullet | 3,075 | 1,190 | 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.