2 of 2 .370 Sako Mag factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 650 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 | 650 | 2,550 | 1,512 | yes |
| Federal Safari Woodleigh Hydro Solid 286 gr | 286 | 400 | 2,450 | 852 | 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.