7 of 7 .470 NE factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 850 yd (Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 500 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) 500 gr | 500 | 850 | 2,100 | 1,675 | yes |
| Federal Safari Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 500 gr | 500 | 700 | 2,150 | 1,393 | yes |
| Federal Safari Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer Solid 500 gr | 500 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,305 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 500 gr DGS | 500 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,351 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 500 gr DGX Bonded | 500 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,351 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 500 gr Banded Solid FN | 500 | 550 | 2,150 | 1,142 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 500 gr TSX FB | 500 | 150 | 2,150 | 1,702 | 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.