3 of 4 .375 Ruger factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 400 yd (Hornady Dangerous Game Series 300 gr DGS). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 300 gr DGS | 300 | 400 | 2,660 | 1,146 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 300 gr DGX Bonded | 300 | 400 | 2,660 | 1,146 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 250 gr CX | 250 | 350 | 2,800 | 1,734 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 270 gr SP-RP InterLock | 270 | wrong bullet | 2,840 | 1,824 | 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.