2 of 2 .308 Marlin Express factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 450 yd (Hornady LEVERevolution 160 gr FTX). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 160 gr FTX | 160 | 450 | 2,660 | 961 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 150 gr Core-Lokt Soft Point | 150 | 200 | 2,725 | 364 | 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.