Best weight bullet in 6.5x284 for Elk

[Eric H]

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.

 

[Dmagna]

They will all kill, I wouldn't use the 130 but the rest are very good. 2950-3000 fps on the 140s, 3100 fps on the 127 lrx the elk will die.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I have used 140-142g in NZ using a 264WM. The 150-156g class don't seem to kill any faster, so the above work exceptionally well for me.
Shots over there have been long too, so the sleek 142g ABLR gets my nod.

Cheers.

 

[Triple BB]

I've always found an 180 grn works quite well. Usually out of a 300 RUM…

 

[VLD Pilot]

143 ELDX

 

[gillettehunter]

156 Berger. They have been available lately. Failing that I'd look at the 130 gr AB.
Bruce

 

[Monster Toms]

Guess it depends on where you are hunting and the terrain. 2 of the youth hunters I took this winter killed their cows with my 6.5x284 with 127 LRX. One at 285 just behind the should and went 20 yards the other 165 yards just below the ear, down with a sizable hole. Have killed quite a few cow elk with 130 AB's out to 565 with out issues.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

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.

I can't imagine that any of them wouldn't work well with proper shot placement. However, since you mentioned the Hammer bullets as a consideration; I'd go with the 124HH which is their most popular 6.5 bullet, or so I've been told. They shoot very well out of my 6.5PRC and their terminal performance is at least as good as they claim, maybe better.

The other good thing about Hammer bullets is that you can ALWAYS get them. No searching all over the internet praying that the bullet you need will become available before you leave for your hunt.

 

[brant89]

I've always found an 180 grn works quite well. Usually out of a 300 RUM…

Hard to get those down a .264 bore…

 

[Deleted member 115360]

Hard to get those down a .264 bore…

Weak men talk about the difficulties of a new idea, strong men get out their 3/8 drill and start gunsmithing their way to a bigger bullet. Stay hard.

-David Goggins

Probably

 

[Eric H]

Looked and found I also have some 110gr Hammer Hunters. They may not be heavy enough.

 

[Sockeye66]

The 1st two that you listed would be my choices, if you have or can get 140gr NBTs, dial in with them and switch over to the 140 ABs.

 

[Deleted member 115360]

I've got some 150gr ABLR. I bought them with the idea that I would use them on black bears and bigger ungulates. It would be my choice, but......... I would bring something bigger than a 6.5mm.

 

[Dmagna]

I've got some 150gr ABLR. I bought them with the idea that I would use them on black bears and bigger ungulates. It would be my choice, but......... I would bring something bigger than a 6.5mm.

The 6.5x284 Norma is plenty for elk,