Thoughts on Hammers on elk (out of a 6.5 CM)

[dogz]

If you stay within your range limits, I don't see why a 124 hammer at 2900fps of out a 6.5CM wouldn't smack an elk at sub 2-300 yards. But this is a long range hunting forum lol. So I wouldn't personally set myself up with that load whatsoever. I had a 6.5 PRC shooting the 124 Hammers at 3250 and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to shoot an elk broadside at 3-400 yards with that load. Again though, for elk specific, I don't see a reason to go so small and light and handicap yourself like that.

Gotta ask, what happens at 301 yards........?

(side note, 300 yards on a good broadside poke is my range for my 22/250 on elk)

Why do you think that for elk that the 6.5 CM is so small and light and that it would be a handicap? How many elk have you taken, what ranges and with what rounds that would help you to form this opinion?

Just trying to wrap my head around why you think it's such a small and under powered the round is. My guess is that you're elk hunt/killing file is pretty thin but that's just a guess and I could be way wrong as I've been so many times before and will be so once again

 

[cabelasken]

The hammers will do fine - remember you can obtain velocities from them that are significantly higher than what is possible with most other designs. 2900+ FPS should be achievable with the 124 GR HH and that will certainly make an elk fall down.

 

[Jtgraham01]

Y'all got yourselves worked up. Following bc I just built an 18" 6.5 CM and plan to pop whitetails with it and maybe some larger animals like elk.

For anyone shooting 124 hammers, what was your go-to powder in the 6.5 CM?

 

[Another Casual]

I had great success with the 120gmx at 3150 fps out of my PRC at 250 yards. Ballistic calculator says that's about the same velocity the creedmoor would be going at 100 yards with the same bullet.

I'd have no problem running the 120 class hammer bullets in the creedmoor for elk. You'll have to pay attention to shot placement and be patient (things you should be doing no matter the cartridge), but I think a good double lung shot with that combo will leave you happy.

 

[Bobby-Long]

I know you didn't ask about it, but I have seen a large cow elk taken with a 130 grain accubond, just over 500 yards with the 260 Remington. Where did the bullet hit? In the heart. The bullet was recovered in the offside front leg knuckle. The shot was from approx 30 degrees looking down.

 

[dogz]

Thx Bobby, that would be a great elk combo!

 

[Txcowboy50]

Any thoughts on Hammer bullets and 6.5 PRC rather than 6.5CM?

 

[Huntnful]

Gotta ask, what happens at 301 yards........?

(side note, 300 yards on a good broadside poke is my range for my 22/250 on elk)

Why do you think that for elk that the 6.5 CM is so small and light and that it would be a handicap? How many elk have you taken, what ranges and with what rounds that would help you to form this opinion?

Just trying to wrap my head around why you think it's such a small and under powered the round is. My guess is that you're elk hunt/killing file is pretty thin but that's just a guess and I could be way wrong as I've been so many times before and will be so once again

I've killed 5 elk. Four with a rifle and one with a bow. I'm just stating a general limit. Because it's easy to go "well it's only 325, then 375 and then 450 and then 600". It's blown VERY easily by the wind and isn't going to be very forgiving with shot placement. Proper shot placement is very easy at 300 yards.

Everything is fine and dandy, until it isn't. I just don't think it gives much room for error. Sorry if that wasn't the answer you wanted to hear lol.

 

[dogz]

Y'all got yourselves worked up. Following bc I just built an 18" 6.5 CM and plan to pop whitetails with it and maybe some larger animals like elk.

For anyone shooting 124 hammers, what was your go-to powder in the 6.5 CM?

I'd think that R17 would perk well with it

 

[Huntnful]

Also, you can just run the ballistics and see where they hit 1800fps. There's your max range if you're comfortable with it.

 

[dogz]

Also, you can just run the ballistics and see where they hit 1800fps. There's your max range if you're comfortable with it.

That I can do, is 1800 their expansion speed needed?

 

[Mike Matteson]

A 22 LR will do the job, but is it really big enough to really do the job. I have tract elk all day because of somebody poor shooting, and it wasn't me. I have others in the hunting group have come across blood trails of an elk that we figured were shot the day before. Track them down and finished them off. Yes and took the animal too. So if your taking down animals have mostly been done by one shot kill go ahead. I personal don't like it. To me it's like bring a knife to a gunfight.

 

[Huntnful]

That I can do, is 1800 their expansion speed needed?

Yes sir it is. Also, I've killed two elk and 3 bucks with the hammer bullets. They perform exactly as advertised as long as they're put into the right spot at the right speed.

 

[dogz]

Taking that 1800 fps range I'm guessing that the 123 Absolute would be good to go to 500 give or take a bit. 500 is plenty far for me in open country that is public land. Now on private land I'd feel comfy going a lot further if the bullets up to it.