6.5 bullet for minimal pelt damage?

[tater]

I have a .222 that i usually use for cats/coyotes, but i would like to shoot a little further and add wolves to the winter fun list.

My first rifle as a kid was a Swedish M38 (small ring Mauser in 6.5 Swede) that i would love to resurrect for the task. I realize it's not a 6.5AI, and that i can't push it as hard as a modern 6.5 Swede, but it is a sub-MOA gun, and loops them happily out to 500 yards.

The problem is the fast twist/deep chamber makes low weight (sub 130Gr.) bullets tough to use. What are my options for bullets that won't cause massive pelt damage?

 

[Justin Crossley]

I would try the 130 Berger VLD target bullets. I believe they have a thicker jacket than the hunting bullets and you shouldn't have trouble with pelt damage.

 

[Sam Millard]

Or the 140 grain Berger Hybrid...

 

[Jay03]

I tried the bergers, SMK's and a few other solid or target style bullets in the 6.5x47. Didnt have luck with pelts using the bigger 6.5's... actually my .223 with 40gr or 50gr ballistic tips would not only be easier on pelts but seems to anchor coyotes more reliably. The 6.5 never had a problem but target bullets that dont expand well passed through so quick and easy i found myself looking around in the sage for coyotes that ran a little ways after the shot sometimes, not all the time... but sometimes.

I know this doesnt help you with wolfes at all... im not sure what i would do there. Maybe a .243 over 12 gauge or similar type rifle?? I think savage makes one. Or I guess just decide which critter your going to fucus on that day and carry the appropriate rifle. Unless theres a 6.5 bullet that i havent tried that works well, someone might chime in. For me they put too big a hole in the exit side. At least in my experience. Never shot a bobcat with the 6.5 but I'm affraid it would cut one in half so I dont try! Haha

 

[SDArrowSlinger]

Any "match" bullet should do well. I second the SMK or Win 140 BTHP match which is a non expanding hollow point.

 

[MRidge]

Personally if I was attempting to keep pelts, I'd look at the 130gr Accubond to attempt to pencil through if you can. I've shot thousands of 52gr SMK's out of my 22-250 and love them, however very unpredictable. One will pencil through, where the next leaves a hole a semi could drive through exiting. I don't keep pelts, so I've always leaned towards SMK's, BlitzKings or Ballistic Tips - I want the massive explosion on coyotes when they are hit - those bullets do it with the BlitzKing's at the top of the list.