2 of 3 7mm WSM factory loads carry 1,200 ft·lb and expansion velocity for black bear; the best reach 850 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 | 850 | 3,000 | 1,878 | yes |
| Hornady Outfitter 150 gr CX | 150 | 500 | 3,050 | 1,427 | yes |
| Winchester 150 gr Power-Point | 150 | wrong bullet | 3,200 | 1,222 | behind the shoulder only |
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.