Best weight bullet in 6.5x284 for Elk

[Hard rock]

If you find a mono that shoots to your desired accuracy level, remember you bullet velocity needs to be high enough to perform on the animal. The general rule of thumb with the Barnes monos is around 2000 fps is needed to provide proper expansion so the bullet does enough damage. I have not used or researched hammers, but I would assume since they are solid copper the number is likely around 2000 fps. This is a failure realized by long range hunters/shooters with both lead core and monos having a bullet going too slow to expand at the target. So, when I use the Barnes 127gr LRX in my 6.5 PRC I limit my max range to 700 yards as this is where the bullet runs down to 2000 fps. Good luck finding a bullet that shoots great in your rifle.

The Hammer has a minimum of 1800 fps with a 300 fps velocity gain over Barnes with proper load development.

 

[Hard rock]

The Hammer has a minimum of 1800 fps with a 300 fps velocity gain over Barnes with proper load development.

Also Steve of Hammer bullets has designed all his bullets too shoot in all conventional twist , plus faster twist bullet recommendations for heavier than normal monos for a given cal .There is more bullet choices from every cal than any other bullet manufacturer , I know of.

 

[Triple BB]

I am not a proponent of being over gunned since that brings its own set of problems and usually to the shooter, however being under gunned usually means bad things to come to the animal. This why I have rifles dedicated for deer size game and rifles for elk size game…no one "do all".

Over gunned? Is a 300 RUM over gunned for antelope & whitetail? I shot 6 of them last season with no issues. Besides my 338 Edge, my RUMS are my do all guns...

 

[WYO300RUM]

Talk to best of the west boys or gunwerks. They used that caliber on elk quite a bit. My son has a 6.5/284 and I picked their brain and they recommended 140 Berger or 143 eldx at that time. But since then there is other good choices. Maybe a hammer bullet.

 

[dougduey]

I'm running it 3700 plus out of my PRC

Yes, I remember your post on what you were achieving. Using N560 if I remember correctly.

 

[WYO300RUM]

Over gunned? Is a 300 RUM over gunned for antelope & whitetail? I shot 6 of them last season with no issues. Besides my 338 Edge, my RUMS are my do all guns...

 

[dougduey]

Now that's convincing!!!

This is the results of 109 Absolute Hammer out of my 6.5-284. I shot him in the chest at a slight upward angle. It exited by his spine. Look at the size of that hole. I was upset due to loss of a good amount of backstrap. But, can't complain about the performance

 

[WYO300RUM]

This is the results of 109 Absolute Hammer out of my 6.5-284. I shot him in the chest at a slight upward angle. It exited by his spine. Look at the size of that hole. I was upset due to loss of a good amount of backstrap. But, can't complain about the performance

Wow ! Too much velocity ! Lol. I've had that happen a few times . I shot a buck in Ut . With a 300 Rum and 150 gr. SST at 3630 fps. Like a grenade went of in shoulder . Massive meat loss. Went to 180 Barnes TTSX after that. Oh yeah....

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

I've submitted an application for an Elk hunt and want to be ready if I'm lucky. What weight should I use as I have 127gr LRX, 140GR ACCUBOND BT, 143GR ELDX, 140Gr VLD Hunting, 130GR VLD Hunting and 156EOLs. Thought of getting HAMMERs as they're very consistent in weight and structure. Any load guidance would help also.

Eric H
You have an exceptional cartridge 6.5X284. . (just look at all the Posts on the 6.5 bullets-a heck of a lot of hunters are going to it). Now you just have to read everything on bullet weight for what you want in the 6.5 for Big Game.
You are going to have an exceptional hunt and you will harvest a nice Bull. You already have the hardware/equipment, been getting physically ready, and shooting to prefect load and selected bullet.
Now your journey begins with all the prep. I always said that it's not the finish, but the journey to get there that is most exciting.
I am sure that many LRH members are living vicariously through your upcoming hunt. Please keep all of us informed on your progress and especially a detailed story when you have your HUNT!!! We all wish we were there also!
Please stay Safe when traveling and hunting. God Bless you and your hunting party!

Thanks
Len& Jill

 

[Montucky Roamer]

2 yrs ago local farmers were trying to fill their tags and asked for help up here in southern Alberta. I sent a 143 ELD-X into a cow at 600yds. I barely got a head turn. I saw, and heard, the bullet impact. Thwap!!! I was completely shocked. I had just taken a WT buck at 615yds about an hour prior. Dropped on the spot. All other elk kills from me have been with .30 calibers. 30.06 with 200gr. Accubonds, .300 WBY mag with 180gr. partitions. I know others have taken elk at greater distances with the same 6.5 bullet combination so I don't have an explanation for you. I'm just letting you know my experience. Maybe it was a faulty projectile? All I know is that if I'm planning on an elk hunt it is with .30 or .338 calibers I own. As mentioned by a few prior posts ... elk are tough animals. If I happen to be in the same situation with my 6.5 I would try and get closer or go for a neck/head shot based on my prior experience.

Good luck!!!!

So what did you find at the impact site? Blood? Hair? How far did you track it? Ever find it?

 

[Indian7953]

I've submitted an application for an Elk hunt and want to be ready if I'm lucky. What weight should I use as I have 127gr LRX, 140GR ACCUBOND BT, 143GR ELDX, 140Gr VLD Hunting, 130GR VLD Hunting and 156EOLs. Thought of getting HAMMERs as they're very consistent in weight and structure. Any load guidance would help also.

Any of those bullets that you mentioned in the 140 grain area will work just fine.

 

[ultimag43]

It's not about understanding my friend. When your hunt comes down to a 600y shot and the only opportunity you have is to blow through a shoulder, anyone holding a 6.5 anything will wish they had packed a fast .30 or .338 and a stoutly constructed bullet.

Not me i eirhier get closer or i dont take the shot. Don't care how big the rack is i i dont shoot shoulders i promise you i have no need no desire and no wish to own a 30 cal anyrhing.
The 6.5 & 7mm will kill just as fast as any 30
Cal take out the vitala, with a well placed 6.5
& itz just as, dead as it will be with a 30/33 cal

 

[ultimag43]

My wife & i have killed several bull elk with the 6.5cm & 143 Eldx from 60yrds out to 500 all died quickly non neeeded a second shot

 

[killintime71]

So... Interesting question, even though not 6.5/284 related, but 6.5SST. I have the 156 EOL shooting, working well on game from my rifle. I am assuming I am going elk hunting in the fall, should I develop loads around the 139 Hammer, it will stabilize in my rifle and I have the components to develop? It the performance that much better than the 156?