6.5 CM for a once in a lifetime Oryx hunt. Give it to me straight

Brettk

FNG
Joined
Nov 5, 2022
Messages
1
I’ve read hundreds of post on taking Elk/Oryx with a 6.5 CM. Seems like everyone is on one side of the fence or the other. I got lucky and drew an Oryx tag in NM for April 23’.

I’ve got a Tikka CTR 6.5 shooting 142 gr Accubonds Long Range. The guns a tack driver.

I’ve got plenty of time before the hunt and I’m mulling the decision to get a .300 win mag. I used to have a .338 win mag back in the day and I hated the recoil and sold it. The Tikka is a dream to shoot. Thoughts?
 

JGRaider

WKR
Joined
Jul 3, 2019
Messages
1,370
Put the right bullet, in the right spot on that oryx, and it will die quickly. I've never killed anything with the LRAB so can't comment on that, but I'm guessing it will work perfectly. No need for the 300WM, IMO. Good luck and congrats in drawing a great tag.
 

Sled

WKR
Joined
Jun 11, 2018
Messages
2,161
Location
Utah
I'm a fan of the Creedmoor but I think I'd opt for a little more velocity for an oryx.

Edit: disregard I was thinking of a thicker animal.
 

gtriple

WKR
Joined
Dec 15, 2021
Messages
1,137
It works fine. They are not thick skinned animals. Just use a tough, mono or bonded bullet and shoot it right.
 
Joined
May 16, 2021
Messages
1,002
Location
North Texas
I’ve never shot an Oryx but I do know they are larger and heavier bone structure than say a whitetail and maybe a mule deer.

While the Creed would probably do fine with a well placed shot at a reasonable distance, if this is truly a “once in a lifetime” hunt, I would take the 300 Win Mag.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 

Jimss

WKR
Joined
Mar 6, 2015
Messages
2,075
I would definitely go with a 30 cal. The lung area on oryx are between the front legs and they are fairly large and super tough animals. Believe me, they can take a pounding. I have a 300 wsm that I use for all North America game. Check out the drop at 300+ yards of of 140 grain creedmore vs a 150 grain 300 WSM! That tells a lot.
 

FLATHEAD

WKR
Joined
Jun 27, 2021
Messages
2,297
I used the 300 Win Mag.
Just know that the shot may be waaay out there
on a large, TOUGH critter.
 

Wetwork

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 4, 2021
Messages
158
Location
Eastern Orreeegon
Hmmmm.. "Once in a LIfetime".... Once in a lifetime doesn't equal 6.5 Creed to me...You got one chance just ask Eminem LOL.

Look
If you had
One shot
Or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
In one moment
Would you capture it?
Or just let it slip? Yo!


If I had a once in a lifetime for a critter I would be bringing pepper not sugar.-WW
 

ElGuapo

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 30, 2017
Messages
205
Location
Reno, Nv
How many guys have killed them that are giving out all this advice? Unless you’ve put a couple of them down, how would anyone have any idea about this subject. I’ve killed 4, hit and lost 1. I’ve also been along on 4 others for reference.

If you are very recoil sensitive, and can’t shoot a bigger caliber, then shoot the CM, but I’d keep range very short. I’d take a 308 or 30-06, or bigger. That’s the same advice an African PH would give as well, BTW
 

OXN939

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2018
Messages
1,792
Location
VA
I’ve read hundreds of post on taking Elk/Oryx with a 6.5 CM. Seems like everyone is on one side of the fence or the other. I got lucky and drew an Oryx tag in NM for April 23’.

I’ve got a Tikka CTR 6.5 shooting 142 gr Accubonds Long Range. The guns a tack driver.

I’ve got plenty of time before the hunt and I’m mulling the decision to get a .300 win mag. I used to have a .338 win mag back in the day and I hated the recoil and sold it. The Tikka is a dream to shoot. Thoughts?

6.5 CM will get it done, but doesn't leave a lot of room for assurance. Nilgai and Oryx are comparable, and I've killed two Nilgai bulls with 168 grain TSXs from a .30-06. Less recoil than the magnums, but plenty of punch to get something like Oryx done with a quality copper mono.
 

Nosferatu

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 22, 2012
Messages
261
Location
Rollins, MT
Read through this thread with an open mind, then come back here and tell us how your 6.5CM isn't enough gun:

 
Joined
Apr 21, 2015
Messages
970
I’ve launched a few LRAB in 7mm. They were soft. Like really soft. That bullet wouldn’t be my choice in a 6.5.

But I don’t have a better suggestion. The 143 ELDX seems pretty dang soft as well.

So….due my lack of knowing a tough, heavy for caliber, slickery bullet in 6.5. I’d vote no. But what do I know. Not sure I’ve even ever seen an Oryx. And no doubt someone’s killed one with a patched round ball, so about any center fire rifle should be enough.
 

TraskI

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 22, 2017
Messages
106
I have listed to a couple podcasts about hunting them. They always mention how tough they are and how often they need to be shot again. 300 WM with a 215 if I ever daw a tag. A good mussel break will tame the kick right out of it, just wear hearing protection!

Good Luck!

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
 
Top