6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC Enough/Effective for Elk?

[txaggie1]

This is an interesting topic which has been debated many times over especially with the 6.5 era we are in today and the technology we have with optics and range finding putting hunters in situations in a pretty controlled environment with optimum shooting positions. So I say if you have all those things in your favor and your confident, within reasonable range and the right bullet with shot placement you get two thumbs up. Now if your just shooting a conventional hunting rifle resting off a tree after hiking up the mountainside gasping for air you might want a little more umph.

I would trust those who hunt elk often, but also they are more familiar with the realities than out of state hunters. So if I'm heading to the mountains in search of an elk it's prob a one and done and trophy hunt (which is on my bucket list) I'm not going to set out to prove I can do it with a 6.5 anything and I have more 6.5's than one man should. 7mm or 300 something would be my preferred round, that's just me to each is own. Know your limitations and hunt ethically to honor the tradition and animals we hunt.

257tony - that was awesome beautiful bull and your kiddo with you! Man the memories for a lifetime, muchos kudos!

 

[RugerHawg413]

This is an interesting topic which has been debated many times over especially with the 6.5 era we are in today and the technology we have with optics and range finding putting hunters in situations in a pretty controlled environment with optimum shooting positions. So I say if you have all those things in your favor and your confident, within reasonable range and the right bullet with shot placement you get two thumbs up. Now if your just shooting a conventional hunting rifle resting off a tree after hiking up the mountainside gasping for air you might want a little more umph.

I would trust those who hunt elk often, but also they are more familiar with the realities than out of state hunters. So if I'm heading to the mountains in search of an elk it's prob a one and done and trophy hunt (which is on my bucket list) I'm not going to set out to prove I can do it with a 6.5 anything and I have more 6.5's than one man should. 7mm or 300 something would be my preferred round, that's just me to each is own. Know your limitations and hunt ethically to honor the tradition and animals we hunt.

257tony - that was awesome beautiful bull and your kiddo with you! Man the memories for a lifetime, muchos kudos!

Understood. Thank you for the info and wisdom!

 

[NM3279]

Here in NM elk can absorb almost any misplaced shot and keep moving. Shot selection is key. Only take a vitals shot that you are comfortable with. If you hit him in the shoulder with a 6.5 more than likely you will never find him. That being said I have taken several with my 264 Win Mag which is same bullet.

 

[RugerHawg413]

Here in NM elk can absorb almost any misplaced shot and keep moving. Shot selection is key. Only take a vitals shot that you are comfortable with. If you hit him in the shoulder with a 6.5 more than likely you will never find him. That being said I have taken several with my 264 Win Mag which is same bullet.

Understood, thank you for the info!!

 

[whirlwindjml]

Clean marksmanship and a proper bullet for the range are all that's needed to hunt with a 6.5.

These are creedmoor elk. All one shot. My little guys was 210 yards.

My brother and I got the cows at 515 yards. We have many more pictures..... The point is: a 6.5 mm bullet should turn into a silver dollar size hole (at appropriate velocity)so you need to make sure you put the hole in the proper place. I watched a guy plug a bull four times with a 300 win mag so don't believe that there's a little buffer of having a bigger gun. It wouldn't have taken four if he would have got one shot in the boiler room.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Clean marksmanship and a proper bullet for the range are all that's needed to hunt with a 6.5.

These are creedmoor elk. All one shot. My little guys was 210 yards.

My brother and I got the cows at 515 yards. We have many more pictures..... The point is: a 6.5 mm bullet should turn into a silver dollar size hole (at appropriate velocity)so you need to make sure you put the hole in the proper place. I watched a guy plug a bull four times with a 300 win mag so don't believe that there's a little buffer of having a bigger gun. It wouldn't have taken four if he would have got one shot in the boiler room.


View attachment 545991

Wait, you weren't using a super heavy, chassis, can't miss rifle, with that 6.5 bullet...at that range... and you even let your kid do it...say it isn't so!!!

 

[whirlwindjml]

Wait, you weren't using a super heavy, chassis, can't miss rifle, with that 6.5 bullet...at that range... and you even let your kid do it...say it isn't so!!!

Yeah the chassis gun was in the shop getting Chromed

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Yeah the chassis gun was in the shop getting Chromed

That pic is priceless. Little warrior right there.

 

[jessegibson1978]

There used to be an LRH member, but I cannot remember his screen name; his sig line says elk caliber starts at .33.

Was it tikkamike or something like that

 

[Hardshot]

Shot placement is everything I believe. I took a moose in northern BC this year with my 6.5 x.284 . I have taken this gun on many hunts as my back up rifle only . I have used my custom. 30 - 338 with 210 Berger's for years.Great gun up close or way out ….This rifle is getting heavy for this old guy to carry. My truck carries it fine but not me so well. So this year having the 156 Berger's and a well tested load worked up it changed my confidence with the 6.5 x 284 .The gun is light and I feel good shooting it . Free hand right behind the ear in neck 125 yards .Just dropped him .Fallow up shot after I walked into him for assurance. Still a bit concerned that there is know exit hole , this is the second kill on moose with know exit. First time was with a140 ELDx ,next 156 Berger ?.. Shoot what you shoot well .

 

[MOA or bust]

Hardshot,
If you want an exit wound and not satisfied with present bullets, then try a monolithic bullet (Ex. Barnes, Hammer, etc). I love 'em. Mostly pass throughs, but sometimes found under offside hide on elk.

 

[FEENIX]

Was it tikkamike or something like that

Yep, that's him. Thanks!

My apologies to @Mike 338.

 

[WYO300RUM]

Ain't no way I would go after a big bull elk with a CM….unless he was real close and perfectly broadside. I have seen how these animals can soak up a hit and act like they have never been touched with those .270 and 6.5SAUMs …with me behind the gun.

True. And how are you going to predict the range? You might be tempted to take a longer shot than you are comfortable with when a big bull presents itself. Doesn't mean you'd be more confident with a larger caliber if the same scenario and range. Just saying a 300 Win Mag will have more killing ft. lbs. at same range as the 6.5 Creed. I have nothing against the 6.5 Creed or 6.5 PRC. I have 3 Creedmoors and two 6.5 Prc's. I use them for deer and lope every year. For elk I use 300 RUM , 300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem mag. I'm more confident . I'll leave it with confident...

 

[Hardshot]

If you want an exit wound and not satisfied with present bullets, then try a monolithic bullet (Ex. Barnes, Hammer, etc). I love 'em. Mostly pass throughs, but sometimes found under offside hide on elk.

Thanks MOA I have never been able to get Barnes to group in any of my guns . I hear nothing but good about Hammers ,maybe I will look for some . Thanks