6.5x284 at elk?

[Freedombyforce]

So is it legit to bring a 6.5x284 to the CO mountains to hunt elk at 600-800 yards or not?? This is what I'd been planning on but now starting to second guess. Is there anyone using this combo?

 

[5MilesBack]

I don't think there's an issue with the caliber, but I'd probably question the 600-800 yards. I rifle hunted elk for over 25 years and the longest shot I've ever had was about 225. I'd say about 1/4 of them were under 80.

 

[rayporter]

same here.

 

[Freedombyforce]

Interesting.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

caliber is big enough but I would caution it it at longer ranges. look up the energy @ those ranges. I was told you need minimum 1400 ft-Lbs for an elk. maybe sam or ryan can chime in

 

[Ryan Avery]

800 yards is really pushing the limits of a 6.5 on elk. You will be under 1000/1100 fpe. At 600 you will be in the 1200/1300 fpe range. I would keep shots under 500 yards if it was me.

 

[Freedombyforce]

Ok. Thanks guys.

 

[Formidilosus]

Ft-lbs of Energy is not a predictor of wounding effectiveness, and will tell you nothing about what a bullet will do in an animal.

 

[realunlucky]

Ft-lbs of Energy is not a predictor of wounding effectiveness, and will tell you nothing about what a bullet will do in an animal.

What else is tangible and measurable? If you have no data your just guessing and hoping the variables are the same

 

[starsky]

Foot pounds don't kill shit. Put a good bullet in a good spot at a velocity it can expand at and grab your pack.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I will let the above experts shoot their 6.5 at long range elk. Will a 6.5 kill at 800 yards, absolutely........ I will be using something bigger!

 

[Freedombyforce]

I picked up a Rem700 7mm mag today and started gathering loading equipment for it. The 6.5 build was going to be to damn heavy anyway to pack all over the mountains. I'm not a fan of the Mags, but I'll dedicate this to a mountain elk rifle and modify it accordingly. I have no doubt I could kill an elk with the 6.5 at 800 with a perfect shot. Its the not so perfect shot that concerns me, so I'll play it on the safe side. Plus it was a good excuse to add a big bore to my safe. Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[Formidilosus]

What else is tangible and measurable? If you have no data your just guessing and hoping the variables are the same

In the terminal ballistics field they measure penetration depth, maximum temporary cavity width, depth to max TC, and neck length through both bare tissue simulate and a variety of barriers. While the information is out there, it can be a bit of an effort to find. However the two things that matter are penetration depth and temporary cavity- how deep and wide is the wound.

Using cartridges/calibers suitable for the game the greatest factor is remaining velocity. With regards to this thread, if that bullet arrives to the elk with enough velocity to ensure adequate expansion/upset it will kill well.

 

[realunlucky]

In the terminal ballistics field they measure penetration depth, maximum temporary cavity width, depth to max TC, and neck length through both bare tissue simulate and a variety of barriers. While the information is out there, it can be a bit of an effort to find. However the two things that matter are penetration depth and temporary cavity- how deep and wide is the wound.

Using cartridges/calibers suitable for the game the greatest factor is remaining velocity. With regards to this thread, if that bullet arrives to the elk with enough velocity to ensure adequate expansion/upset it will kill well.

Thanks it was a serious question I didn't really know what else was out there. To me kinetic energy is what was used for bullet expansion and not velocity. Terminology is everything in communication. Learning something everyday is my goal

 

[Ryan Avery]

In the terminal ballistics field they measure penetration depth, maximum temporary cavity width, depth to max TC, and neck length through both bare tissue simulate and a variety of barriers. While the information is out there, it can be a bit of an effort to find. However the two things that matter are penetration depth and temporary cavity- how deep and wide is the wound.

Using cartridges/calibers suitable for the game the greatest factor is remaining velocity. With regards to this thread, if that bullet arrives to the elk with enough velocity to ensure adequate expansion/upset it will kill well.

So you would use a 6.5 for elk at LR?

 

[starsky]

Not my video and I'm not a fan of Greybull, but looks like you should tell this chick that her 243 isn't big enough for LR elk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18

 

[338edge]

Back when John Burns was pioneering the berger bullet for lone range hunting he wanted a minimum of 2000fps impact velocity on the high shoulder. Folks have since including myself have impacted with less velocity with great success. It comes down to shooting the biggest caliber you can shoot accurately. If you can shoot a bigger caliber than the 6.5 accurately please do so as we owe it to the animals we hunt to do one shot drops!! I'm talking about elk here.

Corey

 

[Ryan Avery]

Not my video and I'm not a fan of Greybull, but looks like you should tell this chick that her 243 isn't big enough for LR elk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18

Thats what happens when things go perfect. I'm far from perfect, like most shooters! That's why I stack the odds in my favor!

The OP also never mentioned having two spotter with him or having old burns there to call wind

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

I have a hunt for both elk and pronghorn antelope in NM coming up soon. I will be taking the 300RUM for the elk and my 6.5x284 will let the air out of an antelope.
I have no doubt that a well placed Berger from my 6.5x284 will kill an elk just fine... I just know my 300 will do it more better.
Elk are big and can soak up some punishment.

 

[5MilesBack]

Not my video and I'm not a fan of Greybull, but looks like you should tell this chick that her 243 isn't big enough for LR elk.

I'd tell her that all day and every day, even if she was shooting 100 yards. My cousin killed an elk with a .22 when he was 10. That still doesn't mean that I'd suddenly say that a .22 was a good choice for killing elk.