3 of 3 7mm WSM factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; 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 |
| Winchester 150 gr Power-Point | 150 | 550 | 3,200 | 1,222 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Outfitter 150 gr CX | 150 | 500 | 3,050 | 1,427 | yes |
The 1,000 ft·lb deer figure traces to Townsend Whelen and is the one everyone repeats; Hawks puts the floor nearer 800. An 8–10″ heart/lung zone. Legal: CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd · SD: 1,000 ft·lb at muzzle. 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: www.outdoorlife.com, www.petersenshunting.com, chuckhawks.com.