7 of 7 .500 NE factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 650 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 | 650 | 2,150 | 1,968 | yes |
| Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 570 gr | 570 | 500 | 2,100 | 1,566 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 570 gr DGS | 570 | 500 | 2,120 | 1,533 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 570 gr DGX Bonded | 570 | 500 | 2,120 | 1,533 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 570 gr Banded Solid FN | 570 | 400 | 2,100 | 1,268 | yes |
| Federal Safari Woodleigh Hydro Solid 570 gr | 570 | 400 | 2,100 | 1,345 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 570 gr TSX FB | 570 | 100 | 2,100 | 1,885 | yes |
1,500 ft·lb is the number most repeated (Guns & Ammo, Backfire); Hawks says 1,200, Boddington floats 2,000. Avoid quick-opening and match bullets. Legal: SD: ≥ .243 and 1,700 ft·lb at muzzle · CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd, ≥ 85 gr. Floor used: 1,500 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.gunsandammo.com, www.chuckhawks.com, www.petersenshunting.com, regulations.justia.com.