2 of 2 .505 Gibbs factory loads carry 1,200 ft·lb and expansion velocity for black bear; the best reach 800 yd (Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 600 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) 600 gr | 600 | 800 | 2,100 | 1,936 | yes |
| Norma African PH Solids 540 gr Norma Solid | 540 | 550 | 2,300 | 1,338 | 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.