Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting 6.5x55 SE For Elk ?

I have to agree with Saddlesore! Light calibers can be used by someone who knows their rifle's limitations, and limits their shots to broadside presentations etc. The next thing would be knowing their own abilities of hitting the target and at what distance down range.

.260 with 140 gr. factory Corelokt at 150 yards on a cow elk did fine for me several years ago. A few weeks earlier it had knocked a cow caribou kicking at @ 200 yds, and a week after the elk, a wolf at 40. It has nother caribou since at @ 100 yds (Sierra handload) to it's credit, which also didn't go anywhere. I'd not hesitate to use it again on elk or moose, with Saddlesore's caveats. And did carry it for 5 days of moose hunting last fall. The moose failed to cooperate by showing me only sub-legal bulls....

The 6.5 X55 isn't much different in performance -just keep it all in the envelope it's designed for.

You put a half way decent bullet into and Elks plumbing they die pretty quick. I myself collected just one bull elk with a 6.5 x 55. I was suppose to go deer hunting at and end of a contract. They decided on Elk, so I when to the store and gotten some 156 gr Norma Loads and shot my bull after a good stalk at a little under 200 yards. Bullet when through the top of the heart and well I had a lot of meat. My guess any Barnes 120 gr bullet would do as well if not better. I didn't shoot unless I was sure, and I closed the distance for a manageable shot. The 6.5 swede is plenty cartridge just exercise some common sense. Then again you have to do that pretty much with any cartridge. Dittos for the 7 x 57 too.