6.5 x 55 on Elk??

[TooTaxed]

I'd appreciate the benefit of your experience!

Am planning to take a 6.5 x 55 Kimber-sporterized Swede to Canada as backup to my trusty .30-06 Springfield. Does anyone have any experience with the 6.5 x 55 on elk? I plan to load 140-gr Nosler Partition bullets...what's your recommended load/muzzle velocity?

I plan to load my .30-06 with 180-gr Barnes Triple Shocks or 180-gr Nosler Partitions...should I go with heavier bullets?

I'm an excellent marksman and plan to take my shots under 300-yds. I've never had other than one shot kills on perhaps 30 deer, using 150-gr bullets in the Springfield...but this is my first elk hunt.

 

[skinewmexico]

It's killed a jillion moose. Or is it meese? Anyway, it will work fine. You could probably even load a 160 in it. Any premium bullet ought to work, load a bunch, and use the one that shoots best in your rifle.

 

[cliffy]

140 grain Nosler Partition: one vote for same

Yea, if'n you shoot accurately, a 6.5mm x 55mm will be fine with the 140 grain Partition which is a true slugger with 76% weight retention. Any bullet that doesn't fall to pieces while retaining deep penetration seems ideal. I also think Speer Grand Slams are ideal. Swift Scirocco II fare is awesome, as are A-Frames. The Bullet and Velocity mean more than caliber size.

 

[Kosh75287]

I don't think there's anything on which the Swedes have used the 6.5x55 without considerable success. I would GUESS that a 160grain round nose and short distances would be the best hedges.

 

[NCsmitty]

The 6.5 140gr. Partition will probably penetrate as well as the '06. Try 44gr. of IMR4350 for about 2600+fps and see how it shoots.
I would stick with the 180gr. Partition in the '06. Both will work fine. Have a great hunt!

NCsmitty

 

[Jst1mr]

You've got your bases covered...the 180's are plenty for the '06, and the Swede will do fine, since you have the most important factors (excellent marksmanship and ethical shots) down pat. Have a great trip!

 

[Win75]

The 6.5x55 will do anything the 06 will do. BC on the 6.5 is as good or better than anything in the 06. The Swedes use the 160rn on Moose. I think it will do well on elk.

 

[H&Hhunter]

The ole 6.5 is a penetrator from what I've been told. I don't have any experience with one other than some paper shooting. But given it's track record from around the world I'd be surprised if the old girl wouldn't work just fine on elk given you do your part.

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for the Swede, I'm betting Art Eatman's next paycheck you're gonna love it.

 

[Sunray]

"...to Canada..." Ever come here before with firearms? If not, go here. Don't even think about bringing a handgun.
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/visitin_e.asp
Your 6.5 will do nicely for elk.

 

[CB900F]

Tootaxed;

The Swede with 140's will work just fine on elk. You don't need to go heavier than 180's in the 06 either IMHO.

The sectional density of a 140 grain Nosler partition in 6.5 Swede is actually greater than that of the 180 partition in .30 caliber, (.287 vs .271). A fact that could lead to all sorts of interesting discussions in elk camp.

900F