6.5 prc enough gun for elk

[808hoghunter]

So perfect elk gun for me is 280AI shooting 175 Berger EH and I have shot a lot of elk. Ballistically speaking not much different that 6.5 PRC shooting 156. I've used them all I chose a rifle pleasant to shoot, light weight build with enough down range punch I can shoot some distance.

Funny you mentioned the 280ai I was looking at one in the classifieds… ammo seems very expensive for some reason

 

[808hoghunter]

Sure they should.

The concept is a given, the reality is not always the same. Lot of "that's my elk guns" out there that get dusty and doped and then set away because they suck to shoot. I see it all the time on here where people are told to have a trainer gun that doesn't suck so much to practice with, and save less rounds a year for the big one.

If OP had a 243 this would be more useful, and maybe more appropriate but they don't.

I'll bow out, my opinion is clear at this point I believe. Op should spend time and money on ammo and practice. He could buy 4 cases of norma match for less than a new rifle and scope and go into hunting season ready to rock. People will spend thousands buying their guns performance and pennies buying theirs

I used to hunt every weekend with ar type rifles 6.5 grendel 6.8 Spc or 308 so I'll definitely need to get practice running the bolt .. but as of the last several years I've been primarily bow and airgun hunting Axis deer… along with muzzle loading several times a year… definitely need to start shootings high power more..

 

[dogz]

Funny you mentioned the 280ai I was looking at one in the classifieds… ammo seems very expensive for some reason

Thought to consider, as much as I like the 280 AI I love the 7 RM. Easier to find factory ammo and it's generally a fair bit less expensive!

Buy a case or two of Federal 150 Blues (blue box) and practice to your hearts content.

Just a thunk

 

[stazmania]

I have two 6.5 prc rifles. I have never killed an elk with a 6.5 prc. I have killed and seen alot of elk killed with smaller calibers + archery gear and way lighter bullets than the prc will shoot. I have a cow elk tag in a limited opportunity elk unit this fall. The season is long and if you put in the effort you will most likely get a chance to fill your tag. While I know the 6.5 prc will get the job done, I will be carrying a 28 nosler or 300 rum, just in case the angle, distance or environmental conditions are not perfect, as opportunity are rare. When I was a kid I enjoyed reading Elmer Keith and Jack O Conner. Jack love the 270 win and touted it for all north american hunting, Keith believed the 270 was pushing the low end for varmints. This conversation is opinion with to many variables to have one answer for all. Shoot what you like know the limitations of your weapons, yourself and respect the animal, and it will all work out.

 

[Muddyboots]

Ok the largest caliber I now own is 6.5prc … considering doing an elk hunt for the first time .

Nah, you need a 6.5CM to kill elk not a 6.5PRC.

The 6.5PRC with right hunting bullet will work great.

Warning: Please don't burn your keyboards, sarcasm intended if you are unable to discern that.

 

[ickes123]

Whatever a 6.5 anything will do a 300 anything will do better,it's just that simple...your welcome in advance.

 

[Darryle]

Whatever a 6.5 anything will do a 300 anything will do better,it's just that simple...your welcome in advance.

I want a 13.10 then, twice as gooder

 

[808hoghunter]

Nah, you need a 6.5CM to kill elk not a 6.5PRC.

The 6.5PRC with right hunting bullet will work great.

Warning: Please don't burn your keyboards, sarcasm intended if you are unable to discern that.

So 6.5 grendel is out of the question

 

[dogz]

Big question of the day is when and where is your elk hunt?

 

[808hoghunter]

Big question of the day is when and where is your elk hunt?

It would probably be next year … but my buddies uncle owns a square mile with a cabin up in Colorado that bumps up to forestry… been inviting us to come up hunt every year … figured we make the journey.. apparently tons of elk always walking through the area

 

[bultinkle]

A private square mile? Lucky you

 

[808hoghunter]

A private square mile? Lucky you

Hopefully it's worth it… I wanted to do archery but my buddy said if we going up he wants rifle lol.. we actually like to walk a lot … but the uncle shot a bull 100 yards from the cabin….

 

[Rick Richard]

Hopefully it's worth it… I wanted to do archery but my buddy said if we going up he wants rifle lol.. we actually like to walk a lot … but the uncle shot a bull 100 yards from the cabin….

A square mile sounds like a lot, but out west that is not much. Elk will be there if there is a reason to be there otherwise they can be a couple of miles away. Yep, been there done that when hunting a small ranch with no other options. Hope it works out for you, but make sure you have a plan B.

 

[808hoghunter]

A square mile sounds like a lot, but out west that is not much. Elk will be there if there is a reason to be there otherwise they can be a couple of miles away. Yep, been there done that when hunting a small ranch with no other options. Hope it works out for you, but make sure you have a plan B.

Yea the property bumps up into public hunting unit he said you can walk into the unit from his property which I hope is far from public access… I forget the area think it was steamboat or hayden