6.5x55 Elk Load

[spencerhut]

All right, no laughing or cat calling. I intend to use a 6.5x55 to shoot an Elk. Don't even try to talk me out of it. I'm looking for advise on my bullet choice. 140 or 160 grain and mfg of bullet. If anyone has a "pet" 6.5x55 load for large game I'd really like to know what it is. This is my first time loading for 6.5x55, not my first rodeo though.

Rounds will be fired in M38and M96 Swedish Mauser's.

Thanks in advance.

 

[esheato]

Reloading 6.5x55 for elk hunting

Search is your friend.

Ed

 

[spencerhut]

All right damn it. I looked and am obviously an idiot.

Thanks!

 

[esheato]

I wasn't trying to be snide.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Ed

 

[spencerhut]

I know, no sweat man.

 

[dcloco]

Would recommend the Hornady SST bullet.

140 grain will work perfectly.

Is your rifle an original Swedish Mauser or a newer action?

If a newer action (rem 700, Win 70, etc), you will be able to reach greater potential velocities than an original Swede. But work up to them.

Pictures of a successful elk hunting trip would be GREAT!!!

 

[atblis]

Sure

140 gr Nosler Partition
or
Norma Oryx 156 gr
or
140gr Swift Aframe 140gr
or
There are other good bullets

I've always had good luck with the Nosler Partitions.

 

[spencerhut]

Both rifles we will be using are Swedish Mauser's.

The first find was a 6.5x55 Swedish M38 Mauser built in 1942. It's been buba'ed but it's going to be used by my wife for hunting so that is okay with us. Bore is bright and clean and we are very happy with our find. It came with 100 rounds of brand new factory Federal ammunition. Cost us $200.00, the ammunition is worth ~$125 alone.
http://picasaweb.google.com/spencerhutc/SomeWeapons/photo#5139586041764850498

The next find was another 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, this time a M96 built in 1899. It's a Kimber rebuild with a scope on it and is in really good condition. It came with another ~100 rounds of ammunition, dies, sling and an older Tasco scope. $475.00. Not the best deal, I know. But I wanted it and now the wife and I have matching deer (dear?) rifles.
http://picasaweb.google.com/spencerhutc/SomeWeapons/photo#5139585900030929714