6.5cm for elk bullet selection

[easternoregonballistics]

Personally I’d run a 143gr bondstrike.

Also a good option. I always forget those since they dont pop up often in reloading components

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I'd test out the Barnes LRX 127gr load as well. Haven't shot an elk with it yet but it's a tough copper bullet. Killed mule deer and pronghorn with it so far.

@louisianahunter If you want to go the lighter and faster route, the 127 LRX is only "ok". I've used it extensively and it would not be my choice for Elk. Before I started hand loading and shooting Match bullets, I killed a couple Rams with the G9 Defense 113 Long Range Hunter ammunition. It is a 2 part Brass bullet with a better BC than the 127 LRX. It also sheds petals, creating a much larger wound cavity, while the base continues to penetrate deeply. It shot very well in my 21" Fieldcraft 6.5 CM.

 

[LongWayAround]

ELD-Ms kill. Whatever the velocity spread was isn't preventing you from killing an elk.

 

[Ajsomp]

Given your range I’d throw out some Berger 130 OTMs as well. Keep them above 2k FPS impact velocity and you’re gtg.

I am planning to hunt with these this year

 

[Still Hunter]

I was consistently ringing a 6" plate at 500 yards, 7 of 10, with Federal Fusion 140 grain Soft Points a few weeks ago. They were a little more consistent than the Hornady ELD 140 & ELDX 143's I had . I do not think I would hunt Elk with a 6.5, but if I did, I would go with as heavy a grain as possible. Tough animals. Certainly not at 500 yards either. That was just having some fun with two buddies.

 

[BigSpikes]

Given your range I’d throw out some Berger 130 OTMs as well. Keep them above 2k FPS impact velocity and you’re gtg.

I am planning to hunt with these this yearView attachment 1051565

Those shot really well out of my 6.5 build.

 

[airmacnair]

Not lighter/faster, but I’m gonna try the 156 Berger EOL ammo. Based on the ballistic data I think it would be fine out to 400 or more. Heard good things about it.

 

[glock233]

143 ELDX impact on a bull at ~1900-2000 fps impact velocity. Some cutting up top but most of what you see is bullet damage on the exit side.