4 of 4 7mm STW factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 700 yd (Hornady Precision Hunter 162 gr ELD-X). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Precision Hunter 162 gr ELD-X | 162 | 700 | 3,050 | 1,948 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade Long Range 175 gr AccuBond Long Range | 175 | 700 | 2,950 | 1,941 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 160 gr AccuBond | 160 | 600 | 3,075 | 1,747 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 140 gr Partition | 140 | 500 | 3,300 | 1,536 | 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.