Gratuitous Hunting Pic: 6.5x55 vs. Cow Elk

[Paul7]

Taken at Vermejo Park Ranch, NM last Friday. Sako Finnlight with Zeiss Conquest scope. You can see the bloodline from the kill shot on front left shoulder, it really destroyed the lungs. Used Norma factory ammo, 156 grain bullet.

 

[jmr40]

That can't possibly be a true story. Everyone knows you need at least a 338 WM to kill an elk.

I'm a bit jealous, but congratulations. I've tried to make an elk hunt happen the last 2 years. Life just keeps getting in the way. Not even going to try this year. Looking at fall 2016 or 2017.

 

[Paul7]

That can't possibly be a true story. Everyone knows you need at least a 338 WM to kill an elk.

I'm a bit jealous, but congratulations. I've tried to make an elk hunt happen the last 2 years. Life just keeps getting in the way. Not even going to try this year. Looking at fall 2016 or 2017.

Good thing elk don't read internet gun forums, huh?

 

[Paul7]

So far with that rifle/caliber, I'm up to two cow elk, two Barbary Sheep, and seven hogs, all DRT.

 

[d2wing]

Very nice. The elk, gun and terrain all look great. A great day for you.

 

[chas08]

I bet that "Sweet-ish" Mauser is a lot more fun to carry than most .338's. It would probably scare the socks off a lot of critics if they knew how many elk were taken in a given year with a .243! Nice job!

 

[Eb1]

Good shooting. Yeah. The guys I know who do guiding for elk hunt carry a .22-250.

 

[Paul7]

I bet that "Sweet-ish" Mauser is a lot more fun to carry than most .338's. It would probably scare the socks off a lot of critics if they knew how many elk were taken in a given year with a .243! Nice job!

The rifle is 6.8 lbs., which is appreciated walking around at 8,000'. The only thing different if I had used a .338 would be there would be less meat to take home.

I wouldn't go after a big bull with a 6.5x55, but cows, all day long. It hits like a .308 but with less blast and recoil.

My guide uses a Sig .380 pistol to finish off elk for clients.

 

[Grizz51]

I agree. I also own a 6.5x55 Swed and love it. At age 63 it don't jar my brains like my old 30-06 did. Of course I still miss the 30-06.

 

[Fremmer]

Nice cow!

 

[Lloyd Smale]

heck with those 6x6s. That there is some good eating!!

 

[Paul7]

heck with those 6x6s. That there is some good eating!!

The 6x6s (bulls) at this ranch are $14K, I'll pass.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

yup I think id have to also

 

[Ankeny]

Elk, yummy.

 

[splattergun]

Nice cow. Time to make some Swedish meatballs!

 

[rszwieg]

$14k?

...gulp...

I'd hunt bulls with my 6.5 but some place less expensive.

 

[oneounceload]

The Swedes proved that cartridge quite capable of taking what they call "elk" and which we call "moose"