5 of 5 7x65R factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 650 yd (Norma 160 gr Tipstrike). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 160 gr Tipstrike | 160 | 650 | 2,789 | 1,354 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 140 gr Ecostrike | 140 | 500 | 2,822 | 1,083 | yes |
| Norma 170 gr Oryx | 170 | 400 | 2,657 | 782 | yes |
| Norma 170 gr Vulkan | 170 | 400 | 2,657 | 871 | behind the shoulder only |
| Lapua 156 gr Naturalis (N564) | 156 | 350 | 2,756 | 665 | 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.