6.5-284 for elk?

[jschroed]

I'd like your opinion/experience on the use of this caliber for elk.

 

[BrentM]

At what distance?

There are tons of threads about the 6.5 bullet in general. The 6.5 has a high sectional density that makes it very popular for being effective on large game at longer than you would expect ranges.

Bullet choice and shot placement see to be more debated items.

The chamber is good, the caliber is good, it just depends on your range.

 

[bigngreen]

As long as I was shooting the 140 Berger and 800 yards or less, all I'd need to think about is windage!

 

[WildRose]

Your ability to place the shot precisely is the only real consideration as long as you are using a quality bullet.

We occasionally need to remind ourselves that the 6.5's have been used for a century or longer now to take all European big game and even most of the big game in Africa less Hippos, buffalo, Rhino, and Elephant and is probably the most popular bullet size for the plains game there.

None of the Euro 6.5's though have even quite the punch of the 6.5x284 or .260 Rem.

You Must put it in the bread basket hower unless you are shooting shooting at relatively close range with Solids or solid nosed bullets because our LR bullets are not likely to beak bones and punch shoulders consistently in the 6.5 class.

 

[No Fear in Accuracy]

It will do the job. You have to shoot almost perfect in the shot placement area. Then Berger will take care of it when it enters the broadside skin.

 

[cowboy]

As long as I was shooting the 140 Berger and 800 yards or less, all I'd need to think about is windage!

Agree - seen two of them bite the dust this past season with that combo although max distance was 450 yds - bang-flop.

 

[jschroed]

Thanks guys. I'll be keeping the shots close. Sounds like it will work for my purpose.

 

[wolverine99]

Shot to bulls with mine, 749 and 660. One dropped the other went 30feet

 

[HuntFarther]

I honestly think more people would kill elk better as just hunters with something like a 6.5-284. I just have seen way to many men, women and children shoot something way to big and suck at placing bullets with the magnums. A 6.5-284 is a decent little round and if they are hit good will do the job fine. But also are a lot easier to shoot to make a better shot.

 

[Levi]

I'm in the process of having one of these built, and love hearing all of the capabilities of this cool little cartridge. Not trying to hijack, but would love to hear some more hunting experiences with the 6.5x284!

 

[BrentM]

Well I don't have much experience with mine yet but it did a nice job on mountain lion at 600.

 

[Levi]

That's awesome Brent! Always wanted a chance at a cat...maybe this is my winter.

 

[WildRose]

Well I don't have much experience with mine yet but it did a nice job on mountain lion at 600.

Congrats, cats are a tough kill with anything.

 

[BrentM]

Thanks guys. Like spot and Stalking cats and this was a trophy on both accounts.