8 of 8 9.3x74R factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for mule deer; the best reach 700 yd (Norma 230 gr ODIN). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma 230 gr ODIN | 230 | 700 | 2,575 | 1,516 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 255 gr Tipstrike | 255 | 650 | 2,461 | 1,382 | behind the shoulder only |
| Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 286 gr | 286 | 600 | 2,360 | 1,263 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 286 gr SP-RP InterLock | 286 | 600 | 2,360 | 1,315 | behind the shoulder only |
| Norma 285 gr Oryx | 285 | 550 | 2,329 | 1,122 | yes |
| Norma 250 gr Ecostrike | 250 | 500 | 2,461 | 1,011 | yes |
| Federal Safari Woodleigh Hydro Solid 286 gr | 286 | 400 | 2,360 | 798 | yes |
| Norma 232 gr Vulkan | 232 | 400 | 2,559 | 825 | behind the shoulder only |
Deer-class rules of thumb; a slightly bigger animal than a whitetail. Legal: CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd. 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: chuckhawks.com, www.petersenshunting.com.