8 of 8 7x57 Mauser factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 500 yd (Norma 150 gr Whitetail SP). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 150 gr Whitetail SP | 150 | 500 | 3,018 | 1,040 | behind the shoulder only |
| Nosler Expansion Tip 140 gr E-Tip | 140 | 500 | 2,700 | 1,062 | yes |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 140 gr AccuBond | 140 | 500 | 2,700 | 1,055 | yes |
| Federal 140 gr Power-Shok JSP | 140 | 400 | 2,660 | 907 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 140 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt | 140 | 400 | 2,660 | 830 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 156 gr Oryx | 156 | 350 | 2,641 | 749 | yes |
| Winchester 145 gr Power-Point | 145 | 350 | 2,660 | 774 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal 175 gr Power-Shok JSP | 175 | 250 | 2,390 | 527 | behind the shoulder only |
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.