mmpoeth,
Here's some info that may help:
using a 250gr cartridge the range at which the 338 win loses 1000ftlbs is 700-800yds
using a 225gr it slips below 1000ftlbs at between 500 and 600 yds
The 1000ftlb rule is only good for deer sized game, the bigger the animal, the higher that figure needs to be to kill without wounding. Keeping in mind that a rilfle is only as effective as the shooter at long range. I don't know where or how you hunt but 500yds is a heck of a long way.What I mean is this..... If you haven't been to the range and practiced, practiced, practiced, to the point that you know where that bullet is going at that range, you have no business taking a 500 yd shot at a game animal. It is imperative that you" know your limitations "as someone once said.