3 of 5 7x65R factory loads carry 1,200 ft·lb and expansion velocity for black bear; the best reach 400 yd (Norma 140 gr Ecostrike). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 140 gr Ecostrike | 140 | 400 | 2,822 | 1,083 | yes |
| Norma 170 gr Oryx | 170 | 300 | 2,657 | 782 | yes |
| Lapua 156 gr Naturalis (N564) | 156 | 250 | 2,756 | 665 | yes |
| Norma 160 gr Tipstrike | 160 | wrong bullet | 2,789 | 1,354 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 170 gr Vulkan | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,657 | 871 | 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.