2 of 3 7mm WSM factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for wild hog; the best reach 1,000 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 | 1,000 | 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 |
Vitals sit low and forward behind a shield of gristle; 1,000 ft·lb with a well-built bullet is the benchmark. 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: backfire.tv.