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.