6.5x55

[WA Redneck]

Anyone elk hunt with the 6.5x55?  I would be interested in hearing your story and if you have any interesting hand loads I would love to hear about them.  Thanks.

[MountainWalk]

its a neat little round for sure. i have not hunted with it. i got to remembering a hunter i had from new brunswick and i recall him saying that his folks mostly hunting with those and 303 britishes. while they dont hunt elk, they hunt moose and bear.... the round does have great sectional density.. got a great big long bullet for good penetration.. little small for my taste but im sure it would smoke elk with broadside shots with decent bullets.

[WA Redneck]

Thanks.  I think it would work too.  I have read to much about it to not think it would.  Only time will tell I guess.  Where about in Poulsbo are you.  I'm out near Keyport.

[MountainWalk]

bout a mile from clear water casino

[WA Redneck]

Ever do the sea food buffet?

[bobcat]

It's very similar to the 260 Remington, ballistics wise.

[Curly]

It's very similar to the 260 Remington, ballistics wise.

And, although slower than the 264Win Mag.........should do almost as good as the 264WM on deer and elk.  I'd load it with 130gr TSX and not be afraid of hunting elk with it.  I've killed an elk with the .264WM and witnessed a kill or two and they didn't take a step.  I imagine the 260 or 6.5x55 would do the same.

[GoldTip]

My wife has shot a couple of cow's with hers' and they haven't gone any further than the deer she has shot with it.  She just shoots factory cheapie 140gr federals.  The last two times at the range she has shot under 1moa groups with the gun, so despite having the dies and brass, I'm not gonna even try handloading for it.

[WA Redneck]

Thanks to all for your insightfull information.  I have heard any number of times how it is to small to hunt elk with but, since I have killed them with a 270 and a blackpowder gun I just couldn't see how.  I don't think I would buy one with hunting elk in mind but since I have one I can't see why I shouldn't use it!  I like the idea of the 130 grain bullets too.  I'll give them a try and see how they work on paper.

[Intruder]

I think it'd be fine... not ideal.  It's on the small side but adequate still for shots under 200 yards.  As Bobcat said it's real similiar to a .260 Rem which is a damn good round.  With that 130 TSX it'd be a ripper I bet.

[WA Redneck]

I hope to find out this year.  I'll let you know as time gets closer.  It sure shoots like a house a fire.  I'm very pleased with the accuracy it is showing.  I'll try the 130's and let you know how it comes out.

[high country]

I killed 2 last year with a 6.5-06......died at the shot.

[Mangy]

I have a military surplus Swedish Mauser in 6.5X55 I have punched some paper with it but that is about it.  I have read and researched the round quite extensively.  I think I read somewhere possibly in Shooting times that there has been more moose killed in Sweden with the 6.5X55 than any other round.  I am sure that it was the official military round for many years had something to do with that statement. 

If you can kill moose why not elk?  What make and mode rifle do you own in the 6.5x55?

I would love to get another rifle in that caliber.  I have looked now and then but seems to be slim pickings.  I saw Ruger in that caliber quite awhile ago in the local paper and never did call on it, I have kicked myself a couple of times since.

I have a TC encore and I can get a barrel in that caliber, might be the way to go.