5 of 10 6.8 SPC factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for mule deer; the best reach 250 yd (Hornady Custom 120 gr SST). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Custom 120 gr SST | 120 | 250 | 2,460 | 607 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal Fusion MSR 115 gr | 115 | 200 | 2,470 | 553 | yes |
| Winchester Deer Season XP 115 gr Extreme Point | 115 | 200 | 2,625 | 507 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal Fusion MSR 90 gr | 90 | 150 | 2,850 | 412 | yes |
| Hornady Custom 100 gr CX | 100 | 100 | 2,550 | 325 | yes |
| Federal American Eagle 115 gr TMJ | 115 | wrong bullet | 2,675 | 668 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Match Grade 115 gr Custom Competition | 115 | wrong bullet | 2,550 | 591 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington Premier Match 115 gr Sierra MatchKing Open Tip Match | 115 | wrong bullet | 2,625 | 551 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Hornady BLACK 110 gr V-MAX | 110 | wrong bullet | 2,575 | 570 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington UMC Centerfire Rifle 115 gr Full Metal Jacket | 115 | wrong bullet | 2,625 | 464 | behind the shoulder only |
Deer-class rules of thumb; a slightly bigger animal than a whitetail. Legal: CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd. 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: chuckhawks.com, www.petersenshunting.com.