2 of 4 6.5-284 Norma factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 700 yd (Norma 143 gr Bondstrike). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 143 gr Bondstrike | 143 | 700 | 2,887 | 1,407 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 140 gr AccuBond | 140 | 500 | 2,750 | 1,053 | yes |
| Norma 130 gr Golden Target HPBT | 130 | wrong bullet | 3,068 | 1,415 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 140 gr Custom Competition | 140 | wrong bullet | 2,750 | 1,088 | behind the shoulder only |
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.