No .35 Rem factory load we have sourced carries 1,500 ft·lb for elk past the muzzle. Here is why, load by load.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 200 gr FTX | 200 | wrong bullet | 2,225 | 593 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal 200 gr Power-Shok JSP | 200 | wrong bullet | 2,080 | 361 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal 220 gr HammerDown Bonded SP | 220 | wrong bullet | 1,990 | 493 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 200 gr Core-Lokt Soft Point | 200 | wrong bullet | 2,080 | 361 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun 200 gr | 200 | wrong bullet | 2,100 | 507 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 150 gr Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point | 150 | wrong bullet | 2,300 | 285 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester 200 gr Power-Point | 200 | wrong bullet | 2,020 | 354 | 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.