What all-game match bullet would you build a rifle around?

[108ELDM]

I want to build/ buy one gun for all my hunting needs. I am stuck between a 6.5 with the 130 TMK and a 6mm with an ELDM, DTAC, or Matchburner.

The gun will be for 600 yards and under. It will also be suppressed.

 

[D S 319]

108ELDM is the obvious choice.

 

[108ELDM]

108ELDM is the obvious choice.

I am not a very original guy

 

[ljalberta]

6 Creed is the easy button. You can run all the 6 mm options plus a heavier TMK if we can ever convince Sierra to make a 107-110gr. I’d lean towards the 109s but it’s hard to ignore the damage some of those DTACs are doing.

 

[108ELDM]

6 Creed. You can run the 108, 109 or 115. I’d lean towards the 109s but it’s hard to ignore the damage some of those DTACs are doing.

I have thought hard about the 115 DTAC. They seem to be touted as a great elk bullet. I worry they wouldn’t be ideal for sub 300 yard shots on deer and antelope.

 

[108ELDM]

The 130 TMK really interests me. It seems like a legitimate do all bullet from everything I have read on here. I know I would sacrifice recoil going that route, but it seems like it could be worth it.

 

[Dave0317]

I’d say a part of the decision for me would be build vs buy.

I’ve got a .223 Tikka now, and I’m impressed enough with it, that I know I’ll eventually get another. For me, it will likely be a 6.5. Solely because of the factory ammo availability. I don’t have time to reload these days, and the cost of the custom .243 ammo loaded with TMK or Eld-M is fairly high. 6.5 factory ammo is generally better options at better prices.

If price weren’t much of a factor, I’d get one re-barreled in 6cm. Seems like you get more than adequate lethality with flatter trajectory and less recoil.

 

[Loper]

I want to build/ buy one gun for all my hunting needs. I am stuck between a 6.5 with the 130 TMK and a 6mm with an ELDM, DTAC, or Matchburner.

The gun will be for 600 yards and under. It will also be suppressed. your username, I’m assuming you’ve already made up your mind.

Looking at your username, I’m assuming you’ve already made up your mind on which bullet to build a rifle around.

 

[Adam Gibbs]

Nothing says you have to use the most destructive bullet 100% of the time. If I'm chasing antelope, I'm fine using something like a bonded bullet or mono. There's not enough enough meat on them to be wasting it on a slightly misplaced shot.