Load For AZ Elk - 6.5 PRC

FWIW, I killed my last elk with the Berger 6.5 130 vld-H. Left a large exit hole and a short blood trail. Any of the bullets you listed will work just fine. I would choose the one that groups the best and still has enough velocity at your max range to effectively open.
 
I have shot two elk and several deer with the 147 eldms in my 18" 6.5 PRC. H1000 has had great accuracy and velocity. I have some N565 but havent worked a load up with it yet because H1000 has been shooting so well.

The two elk were at 300 yds and 680 yds. The 147 performed as expected and both died within sight.

I have been very happy with the 6.5 / 147 combo.

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I’ve hunted late rifle in AZ. The shots can be extremely tricky and long. I support finding a self imposed limit but I’d maybe add on a 100 to your number
 
Wild work man.

Here’s what 143 ELDX does at a 2000 fps impact velocity. 702 yards broadside. Heart and double lung.

This is the exit side. The photo has some cutting but most of what you see is just the damage.

09051a610abd0bacaba1bd4c30144716.jpg
 
156 berger
N565 powder
But anything 140g+ order 2800 is gonna be fine.
Putting holes in vitals....thats what kills
 
Looking for a some feedback on a load for elk in my 21" 6.5 PRC. I've been using my 300 WSM but I want to use my 6.5 PRC. I've been hunting bear and deer with the 6.5 and been using 125 HHT's with N560 going about 3080 fps. They've been hammering everything but haven't had a chance to shoot anything at distance. Hammer touts they'll do the job down to 1800 fps which is about 700 yards in the environement I'll be hunting elk. I'm a little nervous about prooving that out.

Question is do I switch to 143 ELD-X's or 147 ELD-M's? I think I can get these to just above 1800 fps out to 750 and 800 yards respectively. We've hired a guide for our hunt and he noted that average shot is about 500 but could be out further. I wouldn't trust myself out past 750 at my current skill level and that would be under absolutely perfect conditions (no wind, solid rest). Will the 147's do the job on elk and down to what velocity? Am I better off going with the 143's?

So far I have a load for the 143's worked up with H1000 at about 2870 fps. I bought Retumbo and have some N560. I've heard that you don't get full benefit of H1000 and Retumbo out of shorter barrels like mine (21") and that powders like N560 are the ticket. Thoughts?
I shot this bull @656 yds with a 270 Win and 126HH, MV ~3200. Bullet hammered him. My brother shot a bull @600, same load, same result. If your gun shoots them good I say stick with em.

My personal limit with the Hammers is I wouldn't push them below 2000-2100 fps. But you can push them really fast if you want.
 

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