.280 or 6.5x284 for elk

[Oklahunter1]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

 

[elkaholic]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

I can tell you that Ive killed over 25 bulls with a 6.5 running a 140 partition at around 3100 with no problem. Most were 400-600 yards.

 

[Rick Richard]

Either one will work. I would make my decision based on which rifle I shoot better and which one will best fit my needs. Think about ease of carry while in the mountains, stability when shooting longer ranges or even how weather resistant. Anyway, good luck and shoot a big one.

 

[ARCaveman]

Either one will work. I would make my decision based on which rifle I shoot better and which one will best fit my needs. Think about ease of carry while in the mountains, stability when shooting longer ranges or even how weather resistant. Anyway, good luck and shoot a big one.

This is spot on.

 

[Hoss50]

Shoot what you feel comfortable with and hit with better. Both those calibers are just fine for elk IF YOU do your part and put a well constructed bullet in the right place.

 

[338 dude]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

Definitely the 65x284 it has more velocity more kinetic energy plus I have one it is my favorite caliber so of course this is how I would respond

 

[dok7mm]

I've taken elk with both, at 400+, neither took more than a couple of steps, using 140 BT & AB.

I've taken more game with a straight 280, than any of my other rifles. The 6.5-284 is also a favorite, so you can't go wrong with either. Just stay within your limits for distance and shot placement.

 

[Troutslayer2]

I would think you could get that partition going a bit faster than 2600FPS in 280... My vote is for the 280 but it's only .5MM different, I don't think they'll notice if you hit them in the right spot with the right bullet.

 

[Bob Wright]

The 280 should run faster for sure. Assuming you're using boxed ammo? If handloaded, maybe a bit more than 2800.

 

[manitou]

WOW, I am going 1581 fpe and 2089 fps with 160 gr accubonds out of my .280s... at 600 yds! My 140 gr accubond load is pushing 2056 fps and 1351 fpe at 600. You must load very conservative.

 

[dk17hmr]

Your 280 load seems slow. I have killed several elk (and other things) with my 280 mountain rifle pushing a 160gr partition to 2825fps.

 

[thwatson2]

Pick the gun you like better and shoot better. Both are capable. If you handload you Should be able to get more out of the 280

 

[RidgeReaper208]

Either will do, have witnessed both kill bulls at 500+ yards with little to no tracking of the beasts!

 

[Dennis234]

Question for the guru's. My .280 load gives 1846 FPS with 1211 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting a 160 gr partition at 2635 FPS. My 6.5x284 load gives 2092 FPS with 1360 ft lbs at 450 yards. I'm shooting. 140 gr accubond at 2873 FPS. Since the 6.5x284 has more velocity and energy should I use this for my elk hunt? I know some of you will say I need a larger caliper but this is what I have to work with. Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

I used my 6.5 284 Norma for my Elk and it worked great was able to make a one shot kill at 625 yards 140 grain for what it is worth. Good Luck on your hunt