2 of 5 6.8 Western factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 600 yd (Winchester Expedition Big Game 165 gr AccuBond LR). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester Expedition Big Game 165 gr AccuBond LR | 165 | 600 | 2,970 | 1,750 | yes |
| Winchester Copper Impact 162 gr Copper Extreme Point | 162 | 500 | 2,875 | 1,518 | yes |
| Browning Long Range Pro Hunter 175 gr Sierra Tipped GameKing | 175 | wrong bullet | 2,835 | 1,620 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester 170 gr Ballistic Silvertip | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,920 | 1,578 | behind the shoulder only |
| Browning Silver Series 170 gr Plated Soft Point | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,920 | 1,269 | behind the shoulder only |
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.