6.5 prc enough gun for elk

[808hoghunter]

Don't dismiss sectional density. I'm a firm believer that an SD above .280 is optimum for elk. I shoot a 6.5 lb. scoped rifle in 7mm WSM using 168 gr. Berger VLD at 2850 fps. There is nothing in NM I'm not confident about shooting. Of course I'm not making 700 yard shots either. If you want to be able to take a Texas heart shot, you'll want a well constructed bullet and high sectional density.

I've shot 405 gr .45 caliber bullets with 150 gr. of 777 powder, and I can tell you that recoil makes it harder to shoot well.

Yup I shoot a paramount 45 without the muzzle brake with 105 bt weight blackhorn… she definitely has some Kung fu

 

[mnoland30]

I went on an oryx hunt with my son-in-law who was using a borrowed 300 RUM with a muzzle brake. He missed his first shot, and I think the muzzle blast was so much it shook him up. It took 10 more shots and finding one at 50 yards before he finally knocked one down. I'm convinced he'd have done better with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[Kimber7man]

I went on an oryx hunt with my son-in-law who was using a borrowed 300 RUM with a muzzle brake. He missed his first shot, and I think the muzzle blast was so much it shook him up. It took 10 more shots and finding one at 50 yards before he finally knocked one down. I'm convinced he'd have done better with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Dang! hope he had hearing protection...

 

[Txcowboy50]

Velocity at muzzle is?

2950

 

[WYO300RUM]

For some reason I pick up the 300 rum or 30 nosler on my elk trips. Maybe one day I'll make my self take a 6.5

Same with me. I want to try my 6.5 PRC on elk, probably cow first but always grab my 300 WM or 300 RUM. Have used 7 RM also. This year I'm going to use 6.5 PRC on a cow elk. I'm pretty sure. I think... I'm not going to use my 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[WYO300RUM]

I have several hunting riles/calibers to choose from. I have an antlerless freezer filler tag this winter. There are 2 6.5 prc's in my safe when I go elk hunting they will still be in the safe. I will opt for something with a little more horse power. If I did not have a choice I would happily take a 6.5 prc elk hunting, and it would get the job done in 90% of the situations I've encountered while elk hunting. And it may get the job done on the remaining 10% but I personally would rather have a little more horse power, if available.

I always fear I'll have a long shot opportunity and I'd rather have my 300 RUM or 300 WM if shooting 500 or further. Just more confidence.

 

[WYO300RUM]

Elk are shot at longer ranges these days, making the shot more practice-worthy and making a shot elk tougher to find. Elk are very game animals and can go quite a ways after being shot. Anchoring an elk with a larger diameter cartridge than provides good "blood trail" makes a lot of sense. Elk have very long hair that can absorb a lot of blood and diminish a good blood trail even with complete pass-thru. My 340 Wby was built just for that purpose. It has now been used on only six elk and one caribou, except for a few whitetail on which I wanted to use it. With 50 years of hunting to my credit, I really don't see ever using it again. But it gave me great confidence when I did use it as I knew I would find my animal. When the herd scattered, and elk are herd animals, tracking my biggest bull in the aspen draw, even with snow on the ground, may have been a problem without a good blood trail. He covered 350 yards after a good shot behind the shoulder at 400 yards. The Nosler Partition bullet passed completely through him and gave us a good blood trail to follow. He was bunched up in heavy cover but the larger cartridge allowed us to find him. Not finding an animal that you know you made a good shot on is your worst nightmare, and, for the traveling hunter, an anxious memory. The resident hunter has opportunities to continue looking for the animal, but not the traveler. Good luck!

Well said

 

[Wyo37]

50bmg loaded with hammers. Only way to kill an elk past 50yds.

Might even look into depleted uranium rounds..

 

[bowhunter1287]

I shot two elk last year with 6.5prc and 153 a tips mv at 3k and it did great work first cow at 430yards second cow at 525 yards

 

[Jerry M]

I went on an oryx hunt with my son-in-law who was using a borrowed 300 RUM with a muzzle brake. He missed his first shot, and I think the muzzle blast was so much it shook him up. It took 10 more shots and finding one at 50 yards before he finally knocked one down. I'm convinced he'd have done better with a 6.5 Creedmoor.

I'm sure no one on this forum would argue about the ineffectiveness of 10 missed shots with a magnum (or any other cartridge). It's been said above that shot placement is key. Being able to hit the animal, in a vital area, is paramount!
Having a caliber that can reach the vitals on a less than perfect situation is subject to a lot of debate.

 

[memtb]

Having a caliber that can reach the vitals on a less than perfect situation is subject to a lot of debate

A debate that I've never had with myself! memtb

 

[Mt.Vernon]

In my 6.5 PRC I use 127 Barnes LRX. Shoots great in my rifle.
I've loaded other bullets for this rifle, the Barnes check off most of the boxes for me when I use it.

 

[stazmania]

W.D.M. Bell killed elephants with a lesser 6.5 Than the prc. Elephant croppers today us ak47 7.62x39 to kill whole herds of elephant at a time. Yet there is no country that allows less the a big .375 to hunt elephants? There are better choice for sure,but the 6.5 prc will get it done. Oh yeah and like Bell after you harvest your elk, don't forget to collect your ivory.

 

[Another Casual]

120 GMX at 3,250 had no problem putting my bull down at 225 yards. You'll need more patience for the right shot than with a bigger caliber. I had to let the same bull walk earlier in the week because I wasn't happy with the shot. Lots of guys can't imagine passing on a good bull with a bad shot. If you practice, shoot the gun well, and know your limits you'll be fine.