7 of 7 .500 NE factory loads carry 1,200 ft·lb and expansion velocity for black bear; the best reach 800 yd (Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 570 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) 570 gr | 570 | 800 | 2,150 | 1,968 | yes |
| Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 570 gr | 570 | 650 | 2,100 | 1,566 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 570 gr DGS | 570 | 650 | 2,120 | 1,533 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 570 gr DGX Bonded | 570 | 650 | 2,120 | 1,533 | yes |
| Federal Safari Woodleigh Hydro Solid 570 gr | 570 | 550 | 2,100 | 1,345 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 570 gr Banded Solid FN | 570 | 500 | 2,100 | 1,268 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 570 gr TSX FB | 570 | 100 | 2,100 | 1,885 | yes |
Fat and hair hide the vitals: aim 4–5″ behind the shoulder and a touch high. Partition / bonded / monolithic. Floor used: 1,200 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.themeateater.com, www.oneoutdoors.org.