5 of 9 7x64 factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 600 yd (Norma 165 gr Bondstrike). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 165 gr Bondstrike | 165 | 600 | 2,854 | 1,703 | yes |
| Norma 140 gr Ecostrike | 140 | 350 | 2,986 | 1,238 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Euro 140 gr TTSX BT | 140 | 300 | 2,950 | 1,125 | yes |
| Norma 170 gr Oryx | 170 | 250 | 2,756 | 861 | yes |
| Lapua 156 gr Naturalis (N564) | 156 | 200 | 2,756 | 665 | yes |
| Norma 160 gr Tipstrike | 160 | wrong bullet | 2,920 | 1,506 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 170 gr Plastic Point | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,756 | 1,037 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 170 gr Vulkan | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,756 | 958 | behind the shoulder only |
| Remington 140 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt | 140 | wrong bullet | 2,950 | 1,065 | behind the shoulder only |
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.