4 of 4 .33 Nosler factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 1,000 yd (Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 265 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 265 gr AccuBond Long Range | 265 | 1,000 | 2,775 | 2,799 | yes |
| Nosler Expansion Tip 225 gr E-Tip | 225 | 800 | 2,975 | 2,498 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 225 gr AccuBond | 225 | 750 | 3,025 | 2,425 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 250 gr Partition | 250 | 500 | 2,750 | 1,927 | yes |
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.