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.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Max distance 350 yards and use almost any ammo on the market except “long range ammo” like eldx, eldx is a 300-400 yard ammo, 450 yards with hand loaded special ammo, passed that it is a questionable caliber on elk


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[KurtR]

Max distance 350 yards and use almost any ammo on the market except “long range ammo” like eldx, eldx is a 300-400 yard ammo, 450 yards with hand loaded special ammo, passed that it is a questionable caliber on elk


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Does it drop under the bullet impact velocity needed to expand past those ranges?

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Does it drop under the bullet impact velocity needed to expand past those ranges?

Seen way too many failures with ELDX/M bullets and the 6.5 creedmore past those ranges. 6.5 creedmore is not a long range elk cartridge….. unless your one of those guys that only believes in perfect shot placement which is a guess cause EVERY SHOOTER, has issues


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[bmart2622]

 

[KurtR]

Seen way too many failures with ELDX/M bullets and the 6.5 creedmore past those ranges. 6.5 creedmore is not a long range elk cartridge….. unless your one of those guys that only believes in perfect shot placement which is a guess cause EVERY SHOOTER, has issues


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At what velocity does the eldx not perform any more? Is it just that caliber or all eldx bullets that fail after that distance.

 

[fmyth]

At what velocity does the eldx not perform any more? Is it just that caliber or all eldx bullets that fail after that distance.

Hornady claims the ELD-X will expand at 1600 fps. With my 18" Tikka I'm still getting 1,800fps at 600 yards (6,600ft elevation 50deg temp) which is as far as I am comfortable taking a shot on an elk or deer.

 

[ckt3]

Max distance 350 yards and use almost any ammo on the market except “long range ammo” like eldx, eldx is a 300-400 yard ammo, 450 yards with hand loaded special ammo, passed that it is a questionable caliber on elk


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Wait so 350 yards is max but don’t use ELDX at 350 yards because it is meant to be used between 300 and 400 yards, but it also won’t work at 450 yards?

What makes a 6.5 mm diameter questionable beyond 450? Is this independent of velocity and bullet? Is there another caliber more suitable?

 

[KurtR]

Hornady claims the ELD-X will expand at 1600 fps. With my 18" Tikka I'm still getting 1,800fps at 600 yards (6,600ft elevation 50deg temp) which is as far as I am comfortable taking a shot on an elk or deer.

Ya I know these answers I’m just wondering how the 350 or what ever range was figured by the other guy. Seems he is using wallop factor