2 of 2 .370 Sako Mag factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 500 yd (Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 286 gr). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 286 gr | 286 | 500 | 2,550 | 1,512 | yes |
| Federal Safari Woodleigh Hydro Solid 286 gr | 286 | 300 | 2,450 | 852 | 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.