Mauser 6.5 Swede for Elk

[austinphps]

I'll be receiving a 6.5 swede from my dad and just want some thoughts on the round as it pertains to an elk rifle? I understand in Sweden they use this round to kill elk (N. American Moose) every year. I'm pretty lost as to ballistics so any advice on what to shoot just for practice? deer? elk?
From what I have read this is a pretty solid round to take most game in N. America, if so how come they don't seem to be that popular compared to say the .30 cals?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Josh Wright]

The right bullet with the right amount of velocity will get you where you need to be. Look at nosler load data to get you started.

 

[KurtR]

I will be running a the hornady 143 eld x out of the creedmoor this year. i would look into that. if they would not have came out with the eldx i would have ran the 140 amax with confidence.

 

[6mm Remington]

That little rifle will serve you well. A good 130 to 140 grain bullet like the Accubond or Partition will handily take care of any elk for you. Great cartridge.

 

[Jason Snyder]

One of the most overlooked cartridges out there. As stated, use anything in the 130-140 grain range and put it where it needs to go.

 

[dotman]

I would say the only reason it isn't that popular is the fact that historically factory ammo was downloaded so that the old military actions wouldn't explode. There is now some factory ammo that is only for a modern action that can handle extreme pressures.

If it is a modern action and you reload that is a very good caliber and more then capable.

 

[austinphps]

thanks guys...I'll look at 130-140 grain rounds and start practicing. What do you guys think this gun will reach out to and still take down an elk? obviously it depends on my skill, and I won't be taking an 800 yard shot; just curious.

 

[darcytribe]

I've shot one raghorn with my 6.5 swede. It was a tick over 200 yards. When he received the bullet right to the middle of the boiler room his knees buckled but he stayed up and stumbled two steps forward. 10 seconds later he dropped. 130 grain custom load. I would also be interested in hearing real world experience related to effective distance on elk for the 6.5 swede.

 

[6mm Remington]

My son shot his first elk, a large cow, with one shot at 350 yards with his 6mm Remington. She was hit directly behind her right shoulder. The bullet went through her lungs and broke the off-side shoulder on it's way out. She went 20 yards and dropped.

Not a 6.5 Swede, but certainly the Swede would be as effective if not more effective with the longer and heavier bullet.

 

[robtattoo]

Is it an older Mauser, or a modern action?
I ask, because I have a huge amount of load data & details for a modern gun. I shoot long distance target (up to 1400yds) with a modern 6.5x55 & another is my go-to hunting rifle. I've never elk hunted with it (and I'm choosing not to this year) but I've killed a TON of other stuff with it.

 

[austinphps]

It's the mauser action from an old swedish battle rifle, so probably wouldn't handle the hotter loads as stated by Dotman.

 

[Mtnmilsurp]

It's the mauser action from an old swedish battle rifle, so probably wouldn't handle the hotter loads as stated by Dotman.

Just curious if you've learned anything worth sharing about loading for and hunting with the old swede? How did it go?