8 of 17 8x57 JS Mauser factory loads carry 1,500 ft·lb and expansion velocity for elk; the best reach 300 yd (Barnes VOR-TX Euro 160 gr TTSX FB). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes VOR-TX Euro 160 gr TTSX FB | 160 | 300 | 2,770 | 1,073 | yes |
| Nosler Expansion Tip 180 gr E-Tip | 180 | 300 | 2,550 | 1,058 | yes |
| Lapua 180 gr Naturalis (N559) | 180 | 250 | 2,625 | 921 | yes |
| Norma 139 gr Evostrike | 139 | 250 | 3,018 | 916 | yes |
| Norma 160 gr Ecostrike | 160 | 250 | 2,789 | 952 | yes |
| Norma Ecostrike Silencer 160 gr | 160 | 250 | 2,707 | 885 | yes |
| Norma 196 gr Oryx | 196 | 250 | 2,526 | 851 | yes |
| Norma Oryx Silencer 196 gr | 196 | 250 | 2,510 | 838 | yes |
| Hornady Vintage Match 196 gr BTHP Match | 196 | wrong bullet | 2,500 | 1,316 | behind the shoulder only |
| Hornady Custom International 195 gr SP InterLock | 195 | wrong bullet | 2,569 | 1,120 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 180 gr Tipstrike | 180 | wrong bullet | 2,625 | 949 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 196 gr Vulkan | 196 | wrong bullet | 2,526 | 901 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 196 gr Whitetail SP | 196 | wrong bullet | 2,525 | 766 | behind the shoulder only |
| Lapua 120 gr Open Tip (G573) | 120 | wrong bullet | 3,084 | 558 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal 170 gr Power-Shok JSP | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,250 | 618 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 123 gr Jaktmatch FMJ | 123 | wrong bullet | 2,822 | 310 | behind the shoulder only |
| Winchester 170 gr Power-Point | 170 | wrong bullet | 2,360 | 368 | 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.