I've been wondering if a 6.5 would be enough to bring down an Elk. Because that is the largest herbivore in Eastern Oregon. Or would I need a different round?





Kadin

Shot placement. Would I want to try to stop a pissed of raging bull thinking I was trying to steal his cows with it. NO! Nor would I think it much fun to go into the western OR rain forests with it. But Swedes have been killing moose for years with the 6.5x55 and the moose stay dead. Pick a premium bullet and stick with broadside shots. One sticking point may be the length of the bullet 140 gr may be long for feeding or intrude into powder space.

ETA: It will work but a 180 gr .308 will probably give some peace of mind.

This post has been edited by MontanaLon: August 11th 2009 4:41 AM

yes the Elk will go down, I've dropped Ontario moose with a 6.5x55 Swede

I'm assuming you mean a 6.5 Grendel? For big game, I'd suggest the 130gr Accubond or one of the heavier Barnes bullets. You want it to penetrate on an elk, and it should do the job well with a shot to the vitals. Olympic is coming out with a new 30 caliber AR-15 upper that is supposed to surpass 30-06 performance. You might give it a look.

I prefer a .338 Federal 225 grain Nosler. I have has good luck with Elk, Moose and Brown Bear. I use a Remington Mountain rifle, but I am old school. I do plan to build a 6.5. I would like to use Sabre 18 inch CMV barrel and bolt. AA has a less expensive Stainless Steel , like $200 less, so I am vacillating.

Get the Sabre barrel that's what Chris (Addax)at Addax Tactical uses.



Kadin

This post has been edited by Ithaqua: September 2nd 2009 6:11 AM

LaRue did an elk hunt with a 6.5G and shot a trophy with it, there's a forum thread about it.