I have a guide friend who calls the 6.5, the "needmore." Says results on Texas and NM big game are dismal and no longer allows hunters to use it. He admits he does not check what bullet they are using, just caliber. IMO, the 6.5 was never meant to be a hunter cartridge, it was designed for long range target shooting. I'd stick with the '06, and might even opt for a 200grain bullet.
Would he allow a client to hunt with a .260 Remington or a 6.5x55?
I’m guessing you aren’t very informed on 6.5’s. Hunting round way before a target round. Started as a military round. Been around longer than the 30-06 too. Lots of animals, including moose, have died for years from the swede.
My 260 with a 140 Berger ain’t a slouch I assure you. I would have no qualms using it for pretty much everything North America has to offer.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the 30-06, and will never be without one. A 6.5 is very capable though. Creedmoor and 260 are very much ballistically the same. So I would use one no problem
