2 of 2 .450 NE factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 650 yd (Hornady Dangerous Game Series 480 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 480 gr DGS | 480 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,275 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 480 gr DGX Bonded | 480 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,275 | 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.