Experience with 6.5-06 AI on elk sized game out to 400?

I need to rebarrel my Tikka t3 (see other thread) and shifting between my old faithful 270 and the 6.5-06, or 6.5-06 AI. It would primarily be for my kids in their teens, so the lighter bullet might feel a bit better.

Any thoughts on this round for elk? Actual harvest experience? And if so, with what bullet?

Best,

Cedar


Real world, are the kids really into this gun gack stuff or is it you? Meaning do they care enough to be into loading etc or do they just want to go elk hunting from time to time?

I ask this as if it's the former I could maybe see going with the 6.5/06 but most kids just aren't into it and it's a whole easier to hit the easy button and go .270.

I've used them both and have seen them both used a ton load on elk, and smaller big game like deer and lopes and there just isn't a bit of difference between the 3 especially to 400 yards.

I'd go with the easy button and get them a .270.

Best of luck to you in your decision
 
This post might help. It's written by Steve Timms (dogzapper) scroll down to the middle of the page. Take note of the mention of Matt Smith and his use of 100 gr BT's. But honestly a fast twist 270win/ 280 AI with a muzzle brake might serve you better for elk. Good luck! a 6.5-06, 270 win, or 280 something or other would all probably be fine. Whatever floats your boat the best.
 
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Get a 1:7.5" twist,and you can run ALMOST any 6.5mm bullet out, with the one exception of the 138 Hammer.

A 140-156 Berger, or even up to a 160 Matrix will fly fine from the fast twist and will be plenty for elk at reasonable distances. Plus, you can still shoot a 129-130 screaming fast and not overspin them.
Just watch the 85gr varmint bullets. They might go "poof" at 3600+.
The 131 gr hammer requires a1-7.5 twist and you should get 3200 plus loaded too it's potential that bullet will perform way above its weight class go 1-.7.5 twist and if you do want too shoot something besides a mono stay with a well constructed bullet and you will be fine Nosler partition for example etc The 124hammer or the 123 gr absolute woul work also but the 131 gr would be hard too beat
What is the expected max range you plan to shoot an elk at?
From his start of the topic I'd take a wild guess that 400 yards is it:)
I would like too clarify all hammer bullets in the6.5 cal range will stabilize in a 1.7.5 twist the 131 gr is 1-7.5 specific because of its length the other hammers up too 140 gr require a 8 twist those would definitely work on a elk at 400 yds
 
Prior to all the whiz bang bullets available today, I took my NZ Elk with 140g Speer Hot Cor or 140g Partitions in my 6.5x55 1.7.25" twist military barrel. Only once did I load the 160g RN Speer for Elk…what an absolute penetrator of a bullet. Went end to end with no trouble.
If the 6.5x55 can do this, then so can a 6.5-06. Whether it's an AI or not.

Cheers.
 
I would like too clarify all hammer bullets in the6.5 cal range will stabilize in a 1.7.5 twist the 131 gr is 1-7.5 specific because of its length the other hammers up too 140 gr require a 8 twist those would definitely work on a elk at 400 yds
The 137 Hammer Hunter (sorry, I stated 138 earlier), will need more twist than a 1:7.5".
Screenshot_20211007-175155_Chrome.jpg
 
Good point IMO and IME to 400 yards on elk most about any decent 270 or 6.5 bullet will work wonderfully.

Hot Cores, Interlocks, any of the Nosler bullets and so on.

Killing just isn't near the rocket science we try to make it.....


And don't forget for either the 270 or 6.5's Sierra's BT and or their BTHP's. Again, nothing fancy smancy but for 400 and in they'll work like a charm!
 
The 137 Hammer Hunter (sorry, I stated 138 earlier), will need more twist than a 1:7.5".
View attachment 302527
I stand too be corrected on the 137 gr hammer that's the only 6.5 cal bullet I know of that requires a faster twist than 1-7.5 the 131 requires a 1-7.5 the 139 gr actually 140 gr and the134 gr shock hammer require a 1-8 twist the 1-7.5 twist will cover the others except the 137 gr they have so many good options it's hard too keep up
 
Just returned from a elk hunt. Yes, the 6.5-06 AI[ will work just fine. I got a cow with a 6.5x284 using a Nosler white tip 140g bullet. Single shot thru heart/both lungs at 550 yards. My buddy got his Bull at 405 yards with a 300WM and the Hammer Hunters 180g. He also punched one hole thru the lugs/heart. The Hunter Hammers exit hole was about a 1" diameter. Did not hit dense muscle or bone.
 
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