1 of 1 .338 Federal factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for wild hog; the best reach 600 yd (Federal 200 gr Fusion). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal 200 gr Fusion | 200 | 600 | 2,700 | 1,312 | yes |
Vitals sit low and forward behind a shield of gristle; 1,000 ft·lb with a well-built bullet is the benchmark. 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: backfire.tv.