6.5x55 Swedish Mauser for elk ?

[arizona jim]

I have an opportunity to get a very good condition semi custom 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser for daughter to use. She has been drawn again for elk & I would like to get her out of her .243 and ito something a little bigger for elk. Recoil is an issue.

I know it will be fine for her deer hunt, but wonder about elk ? It is a step up from the .243 and will shoot a 140 grn. bullet. I am having a hard time finding a good website that shows the avaiability, and ballistics of different 6.5x55 ammo.

What do you all think ?

 

[wmidbrook]

My father in-laws best buddy was a game warden up in Idaho. His favorite rifle was his Model 70 in 6.5x55. He'd taken many deer out to 400 yds with it. Also shot many elk with it.

 

[BDB]

I loved it for deer but can't speak to it for elk. It has been a long time since I had that gun and haven't had the need for looking at the ballistics since I sold it. My guess is that, sure it will work (shot placement) but not many folks would list it as a good choice unless there weren't many options. Just a guess though.

 

[Monsterbull]

I've got my gramps 6.5 Mannlicher-Schonauer that killed countless deer and a few elk. It will do the job on elk IF you put the shot in the right spot (or does that go without saying?).

 

[arizona jim]

Well she will be using it for cow elk, and I will ensure the shots stay under 150 yds.

It looks like Lapua & Norma both make a 155 Grn. bullet that they push out out at 2560 FPS. The are showing the energy on those at around 1800 ft/lbs at 200 yds.

This sounds a lot better than the .243 she has now, all she has to do is place her shot well.

 

[iceman99]

The 6.5X55 is not a very flat shooter and has a case head size .003" larger than a .308, and it is these two facts that have kept the cartridge from becoming more popular in N. America.

The sectional density of ~140Gr. bullets will be very good and you'll not have a problem with penetration compared to any other cartridge below a .338 Win.

Bullet drop would be a factor on long shots - not relevant based on your comments.

Great cartridge!