3 of 3 .338 RUM factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 950 yd (Barnes VOR-TX LR 250 gr LRX BT). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes VOR-TX LR 250 gr LRX BT | 250 | 950 | 2,910 | 2,617 | yes |
| Remington 250 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt | 250 | 850 | 2,860 | 1,947 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 225 gr AccuBond | 225 | 750 | 2,975 | 2,334 | yes |
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.