6.5 Creedmoor enough gun for Elk?

[JFrank]

Suit yourself,
I’d just like to point out this exit wound from one of the two elk I killed last year with a .308 using 165 Gr AB bullets.

This was a single shot at 572 yards. There is some merit to using a 165 Gr high quality controlled expansion bullet out of a .308 Win on elk. I was super impressed with this combo on both the elk I shot last year and the one my wife shot with the same combo.
View attachment 1028534 View attachment 1028535

I’m in no way trying to change your mind on what to use. I’m simply showing you the effectiveness of a good 165 out of a .308. I find 180’s to be a bit sluggish at range out of the .308.

Very impressive, I have been interested in AB for Elk using a 308 W.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Very impressive, I have been interested in AB for Elk using a 308 W.

I like that combo on elk!

 

[JFrank]

D

 

[cdb1]

I agree with H&Hhunter about the 4 bore with zero research. The reason is due to Bell’s age. By the time he started hunting elephant the 4 bore was already a relic.

I killed my one elk 36 years ago with a .270 and factory 130 grain Corelokts. My .270 was the only centerfire rifle I owned at the time and I was satisfied with the bullets performance.

I would hunt elk with a 6.5. Started using a 6.5x55 in a modern rifle(CZ) before the Creedmoor craze. I think I’d use a 156 grain Oryx if it shot well. I’d do it but my 6.5x55 would be my third, second my .270 and first choice would be my 30-06 with 165 grain bullets. My 30-06 is noticeably more accurate with 165 grain bullets than 180 grain bullets. My preference would be 180 grains if they shot as well in my rifle as 165’s.

 

[Bcwitt]

A 6.5x55 Swede has been used to harvest pretty much every animal on this planet. A 6.5CM is a ballistic equivalent. The classic 6.5 Swede load is a 160gr Round Nose

"Has been used" doesn't mean it is a good thing to use. There are much more appropriate choices then that. Heavy game deserves the respect of a more sure kill.

 

[ClaymoreAKM]

Yes.

Plenty of elk have been felled to the 7mm-08, 257, etc. That 6.5 will do fine