4 of 4 .404 Jeffery factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 750 yd (Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 450 gr). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 450 gr | 450 | 750 | 2,150 | 1,519 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 400 gr DGS | 400 | 650 | 2,300 | 1,383 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 400 gr DGX Bonded | 400 | 650 | 2,300 | 1,383 | yes |
| Norma African PH Solids 400 gr Norma Solid | 400 | 500 | 2,325 | 1,028 | 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.