I may have a chance for my first elk hunt in the fall. What are the thoughts of some experienced elk hunters with regards to the 6.5X55 for elk?

I use the same diameter bullet, albeit at more velocity. Keep your shooting straight and your bullets heavy- 140gr. and you'll have dead elk for sure.

There was a thread recently on the topic, try the search and see what you can find. I've killed one elk with the 6.5x55 so I am by no means and experienced elk hunter. MV of about 2350 with a 160gr. Sierra Semi-point. Hit the elk, later measured at 273 yards, just behind the near shoulder, angled through the top of the heart and out through the off shoulder. Bullet was recovered under the skin on the far side. Bull went about 20 yards after the shot. Bullet retained 73% of it's weight.

With that being said I would use more gun if you have it, or plan to make elk hunting a habit. If it's a one time trip, load up a good bullet and go for it with the 6.5mm.

cra,

"Biaman" makes sense. You can do it with a premium 6.5mm bullet.
Shot placement and a good bullet will allow you to tag out. If, however elk hunting becomes more consistent, I'd move up to something like a 30-06 or a 270Win..
Good luck.

I oughta say, I've got plenty of rifles, .25-06AI, .300 WSM and a .308, come to mind for this trip, I'm very confident with all of them, but I really, really like my 6.5X55.

Be hard not to use the 300 WSM, but we've killed them with a lot smaller. My 6.5-06 will be slinging 140 accubonds and I will not hesitate to hunt elk with it.

Yes there was a long thread on this topic a couple months back. I have killed one elk and it was with a 6.5x55. 200 yard shot with 140 grain premium hornady bullet. Shot just behind shoulder and destroyed both lungs. The raghorn's knees buckled at the shot. He managed to stay up and take 4-5 steps before he fell. I plan to continue using this rifle and bullet combo in the future for elk.

Back in the 1960's I killed five bulls with my old Swede and that was long before "premium" bullets were available. All were one shot kills from just as close as I could get to them. Works good when done right.

A great round with the heavier slugs. I'm working up a stock for one right now.

Just be very careful of shot placement, distance to the animal, etc...the usual stuff. You get those aspects covered and you should be OK. I love my 300 RUM for elk as I can't rely on a 100 yard standing broadside shot every time....use a well constructed bullet and things should go your way though. Not trying to sound like a "magnum snob" if you know what I mean.