Caliber to Hunt Elk

[jmckinley]

I know this is a loaded topic but what the heck here goes. I have developed a dislike for heavy recoil because of an ole injury from a car wreck 20 years ago. I crushed the left side of my chest and it stays inlamed regardless of what i take for it. i have 3 posibilities and can't make my mind up. I have a Custom FN Mauser 270 win which will shot at or under an inch all day. A Ruger 777 MKII in 06 which is the most accurate 06 i have shot and the recoil is about the limit I can stand. My baby is a Custom 98 Mauser in 6.5x55. This is the most accurate rifle I have ever had. At the range on Sunday I shot a 3 shot group at 200 yards hat measured 1 1/2 inches. i was using the PMC 140 gr Sierra Gameking bullet. The other load is the Federal 140 gr blue box that is even better than the PMC. This is my go to rifle period. Which one will do the job. Most shots under 100 yards. Help! Jess

 

[BDB]

I had a 6.5*55 for a while and it shot great groups, I used it for deer for a few years. Given the choice of the 3 given, I'd take the 30-06 as the better choice. But, if the recoil is a little much, many folks like the .270. I haven't had my 6.5 is so many years I forget the ballistics (and I didn't go look them up) but I assume it would be the last choice for me of the 3 stated. Shot placement and accuracy is key but you still want enough umph!

 

[wmidbrook]

My father-in-law's best buddy was an officer with Idaho F&G for about 30 years. Rex exclusively used a 6.5x55 on both deer and elk and shot lots of each specie. He was a very good shot and took deer out to 400 yds with it. I would think most elk were closer than that.

Most experts say your projectiles should have at least 2,000 ft lbs at the point of impact and bullets should have a sectional density of at least .250 sectional density.

Your 140 grain gamekings have a sectional density of .287---okay in that department.

Energy-wise, most experts would not be happy with that choice since there is under 2000 ft lbs of energy at 100 yds. You'd be pushing around 1500 ft lbs at 200 yards.

But, there's a lot of practicle knowlege out there that says that caliber has been effective out to a couple hundred yards...shots to the boiler room at at least a few hundred yards on elk.

 

[jmckinley]

I found the Laupa Ammo with a 155gr Mega that per their ballistics the FPS is around the 2750 or so and that will make a decent elk Load. I hope it is as accurate as my other then it will be my elk load. Most of my shots where we hunt here in NM areunder a 100 yardss and the longest is 200 yards. So I think the rifle will do fine. If not I know my FN Custom 270 with 140 gr Swift A-Frame will do the job. I may go to a bigger rifle but I know my 2 pet rifles will deliver sub-moa and hit where I aim. Jess

 

[Speckmisser]

Just a thought here, but I'm in the same boat as you. Recoil has become more of a consideration for me of late, as a couple of old injuries are coming back to haunt me. Instead of backing down in caliber, I'm now looking at muzzle brakes. I'll be putting one on my -06 as soon as I can get my ducks in a row, and my new elk and hog rifle (.325wsm) will have the factory brake.

A lot of people don't like the increased report that you get from a braked rifle, but I can tell you...the reduction in recoil is totally worth it.

It's something to consider. You can get a brake installed on most rifles for well under $500.

 

[AZ Jim]

jmckinley,

I have a custom 6.5X55 Mauser that I built for son due to recoil considerations at his age. He will hunt with it next year. The Lapua 155 grn. Mega load is very accurate and not much more recoil than the 140 grn Federals. Norma also makes a 140 grn. Nosler. The Lapua Mega still has 1800 ft lbs at 200 yards. It is a premium bonded bullet and will do fine on elk if you place the shot. This caliber and load is used widely in Europe on moose with great success.

If recoil was not a problem I would say stick with the 30-06.


AZ Jim

 

[jmckinley]

I had thought about a muzzle break but I wear a hearing aide in my left ear and I must consider my hearing above all else. I agree with u that a break is a real advantage as far as recoil is concerned and if i do that it will be on A Ruger Safari in 375 H&H or something in thatvain. I have been looking at the CZ in the same caliber. Yet the rifle i shoot the best is my Custom 98. I have put 3 shots from this rifle into 3/8 of an inch. I almost never go over the inch mark in that rifle. I have always said it ain't what you hit them with it's where. If a Moose that can weiigh close to a ton can fall to the Swede, well u get the idea. If I do go to the 06 it will be the Remington 798 Mauser with a Mueller 3-10x44 Sport dot scope. It's still in the thunking stage and the reason for this post. Jess

 

[Taos]

Load that 6.5 up with some good 140's and go elk hunting!! My son and I have been cleanly taking elk for years with various 6.5's. From the .264 mag to a .260 and with good bullets they will all do the trick. My son made a Texas heart shot on a bull at about 300 yds several years ago with a .260 and 125 Gr. Noslers. Bullet ruined the Bulls pelvis and he was down for the count when we got to him. The 6.5x55 has very similar ballistics to the .260. The 6.5x55 has been used for almost every critter in the world successfully from elephant to plar bear.

 

[Sigma]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Taos @ Mar 3 2007, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Load that 6.5 up with some good 140's and go elk hunting!! My son and I have been cleanly taking elk for years with various 6.5's. From the .264 mag to a .260 and with good bullets they will all do the trick. My son made a Texas heart shot on a bull at about 300 yds several years ago with a .260 and 125 Gr. Noslers. Bullet ruined the Bulls pelvis and he was down for the count when we got to him. The 6.5x55 has very similar ballistics to the .260. The 6.5x55 has been used for almost every critter in the world successfully from elephant to plar bear.[/b]

I take it you were using handloads? I'd like to try these factory loads. Gotta love the Swede.

 

[AZ Jim]

Check out this website for the 6.5X55 Lapua Mega.

Look under hunting ammunition. You can order it on-line.

http://www.lapua.com/


AZ Jim

 

[Sigma]

Jim,

Thanks. Lapua ammo is some great stuff, but they make you pay for it. Midway only offers the Lapua Naturalis 140's at $49.99 and they're out of stock. Do you have any other sources?

 

[AZ Jim]

Sigma

I ordered a box direct from the factory (on-line) about 6 months ago.

It was 26.00 a box (plus tax)


AZ Jim

 

[AZ Jim]

I know it is long web-site address, but here goes. Just copy it into your search box.

http://vihtavuori-lapua.com/storeAmmo2.asp...le%20Ammunition


AZ Jim

 

[jlostrander]

No doubt it will work for elk. Please keep shots inside 200. I know, it might kill beyond that.

But, it will take a perfect shot. Not much room for error.

Logan

 

[Sigma]

Jim,

Those prices are pretty good. I'll check it out, thanks.

Jlo,

I agree with you on shot distance. The Swede's penetration ablity is awesome which is why it gets such good results, even on large game. I'd really like to try those Lapua Mega's.