4 of 4 .375 Ruger factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 750 yd (Hornady Dangerous Game Series 270 gr SP-RP InterLock). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 270 gr SP-RP InterLock | 270 | 750 | 2,840 | 1,824 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 300 gr DGS | 300 | 500 | 2,660 | 1,146 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 300 gr DGX Bonded | 300 | 500 | 2,660 | 1,146 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 250 gr CX | 250 | 350 | 2,800 | 1,734 | 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.