6.5x55 Cow elk

[nomosendero]

My Wife drew an Arkansas Cow Elk tag & we are really cranked about that. She does not want use one of my bigger rifles, she wants to use her trusty Deer rifle, a Swedish Mauser in 6.5X55. She has taken 30 or so Deer with it & a couple of Antelope, she does well. We have used alot of differnt loads in that rifle from 129 Hor, Norma fact & some of my handloads using BT, 125PT & 130Accubond. I like the way the Partition has performed in this round  I know about the droves of Nordic Moose that have been taken and all, still I may load the 140 Partition. I would like to hear about real life experiences of using the Swede for Elk & above, Aoudad, etc. No need talking about Deer, we know what it does there.

Any 125 or 140 gr. Partition experiences or TTSX? Yes, I know that cup & core will work well at Swede speeds, but this is once in a lifetime for her & the main food plots are in the Buffalo River Valley, if they cross the river after shot the tracking can be tough, so it is not whether or not it kills, but how fast. I for sure want a passthrough.

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  nonmosendero,  if your wife wants to use the 6.5 with nosler 140 grain part.. they should work fine....I would try for a high shoulder shot...otherwise elk can go far enough to make it a horrible job getting them out...never owned a Swede, but those noslers do a fine job..

[dukkillr]

I've killed several elk and seen several more die.  Just last October I helped pack out a bull killed with a .308.  Shot 6 times after a good first shot, because he was running downhill, away from access and into the timber.

I've also killed a few deer with a 6.5x55.  It sounds like you've had better luck anchoring deer than I have with it. 

If it were me I'd be trying for a head or neck.  I don't think there's much hope of it not running some otherwise.  Elk are tough.  If you're OK with some tracking a standard double lung will work just fine.  Elk are big and easy to track.  Unfortunately they are also big and difficult to pack...

[nomosendero]

I've killed several elk and seen several more die.  Just last October I helped pack out a bull killed with a .308.  Shot 6 times after a good first shot, because he was running downhill, away from access and into the timber.

I've also killed a few deer with a 6.5x55.  It sounds like you've had better luck anchoring deer than I have with it. 

If it were me I'd be trying for a head or neck.  I don't think there's much hope of it not running some otherwise.  Elk are tough.  If you're OK with some tracking a standard double lung will work just fine.  Elk are big and easy to track.  Unfortunately they are also big and difficult to pack...

I think your idea of a head or neck shot is worth considering IF the Elk is right by the river & the shot is up close & certain.

Yea, the Deer are no problem if hit right with a good bullet. I am not concerned with this round in general for this hunt, other than stated
they need to go down quick if close to the river esp. If she had a bull tag, I would insist one of my bigger rifles for the area because of reasons stated. It seems to me that a Cow is easier to put down than a 800# Bull is the reason I make that distinction. I am leaning more toward the 140 Partition for this hunt. The Sec. Den. of that bullet is roughly the same as a 190 gr. 30 cal, so penetration should be excellant. I do like to see the opinions of those who have actually used the round for Elk because the smallest round that I have used on an Elk hunt is the 30-06AI & I usually carry a 300WM. My brother took a Cow with my 300 3 years ago with the 180 Accubond, the performance was great & yes the Cow went at least 60 yds.

[gr8ful]

I don't know about Arkansas Elk, but the 6.5 X 55mm does a fine job on New Mexico Elk, the 140gr Partition is an excellent choice.  I prefer the high lung shot, because of the lack of heavy bone or muscle between the inside and the outside.  Most times elk will run down hill when shot in steep country, and can cover  pretty good distances even when "dead on their feet" no matter what you shoot em with.  I saw a fat cow shot by a friend in New Mexico fall/slide/tumble almost 200 yards down a steep canyon after a killing neck shot with a 45-70.  I also shot a cow through the lungs on that trip with my 6.5 that walked a slow circle and fell dead almost in the tracks she was shot in, difference was mine was shot at the bottom of the hill and his at the top, the hardest thing about killing elk is packing out the meat.  Congratulations on the tag and good luck on your hunt!

[nomosendero]

I don't know about Arkansas Elk, but the 6.5 X 55mm does a fine job on New Mexico Elk, the 140gr Partition is an excellent choice.  I prefer the high lung shot, because of the lack of heavy bone or muscle between the inside and the outside.  Most times elk will run down hill when shot in steep country, and can cover  pretty good distances even when "dead on their feet" no matter what you shoot em with.  I saw a fat cow shot by a friend in New Mexico fall/slide/tumble almost 200 yards down a steep canyon after a killing neck shot with a 45-70.  I also shot a cow through the lungs on that trip with my 6.5 that walked a slow circle and fell dead almost in the tracks she was shot in, difference was mine was shot at the bottom of the hill and his at the top, the hardest thing about killing elk is packing out the meat.  Congratulations on the tag and good luck on your hunt!

And thank you for the input, real experience with the subject at hand was what I was looking for. I agree, I know the Elk will stumble a good ways down the mountain, shoot a large Whitetail can do that after a hit from a 30-06etc. I think Duk's reference to head or neck was due to my desire to put them down on the spot, but those are close range, sure shots only. I feel the long Partition needle is the right direction here
& thanks again for your actual experience.

[WyoStillhunter]

I have tagged several Wyoming elk in the last 20 years.  Most were what I call eatin' size.  By that I mean cows, spikes, and raghorns.  The biggest was only 5X5.  I have used '06, 280 Rem., 35 Whelen, 444 Marlin, and 6.5X55 SE.  A variety of shot angles occurred but the bullet always found the heart/lung area.  Some ran a little ways but never more than 100 yds.  Some didn't appear hit even though they fell just out of sight.  Others just stumbled around and fell pretty close.
 
I've learned a few very important lessons from elk that a truckload of whitetails, antelope, and mule deer never taught me.  First, never shoot unless you are dead sure of making a good shot -- never take an iffy shot.  Second, assume that your first shot was deadly and do not shoot again unless you are absolutely positive you are still shooting at the same animal.  Third, follow up every shot by going on foot to the spot, searching for signs of a hit, and tracking until every possibility has been examined.
 
If you shoot an elk through the lungs it will die quickly even though it may cover some ground in the few seconds before dropping.  The 6.5X55 with 140 gr. Nosler PT will do the job on any cow elk if the bullet gets to the heart/lungs.  I cannot recommend neck or head shots for elk even though I have taken a few deer that way.
 
Work up the load, practice in pre-season and have faith in your skills and equipment.  After all, elk are just big deer.
 
I am an old Missouri boy with ancestoral roots in NE Arkansas.  The idea of elk roaming along the Buffalo River is just downright exciting.  Good luck with your adventure.
 
2009 Spike Elk, Medicine Bow Nat'l. Forest near Albany, WY
Rem. 700 Classic 6.5X55 with Leupold FX 4X scope

[Ranch13]

, I know that cup & core will work well at Swede speeds, but this is once in a lifetime for her & the main food plots are in the Buffalo River Valley, if they cross the river after shot the tracking can be tough, so it is not whether or not it kills, but how fast. I for sure want a passthrough.

 Well here's the deal unless those elk they transplanted from here to there have become the kevlar coated elk of internet fame, don't be real surprised if the thing doesn't act like it was hit with the first shot and just continues on about its business. Once she shoots, don't stop until the elk is either out of sight or down.
  Pick the 140 gr bullet the rifle shoots the best and go with that, if you want penetration you need sectional density , and to get sd you need weight, if you can find a 160 load the rifle and your wife can all agree on might be better.
Don't count on penetration to anchor an elk any sooner, matter of fact from the 50 years of elk killing I've been around full bullet penetration is not usually as much of an anchor as a bullet stopping just short of penetrating the hide on the far side.Bullet placement is key, a heart/lung shot will put them down in short order, a neck/head shot will put them down on the spot.
 Good luck have fun and be sure to post the pictures of her and her trophy.

[Lloyd Smale]

never shot a thing with a 6.5x55 but i would be a bit afraid to tackle any elk or even moose with one loaded with either of the partitions.

[mannyrock]

 
   I don't know if this is a factor or not, but I recall that almost all of the Elk reserve is adjacent to a long strech of the Buffalo River, and that some of the reserve land is only a couple of hundred yards wide.
 
   All other folks who replied have said that an Elk shot with the 6.5 Swede may very well run for a while.  If the Elk goes in the river, then you will have a sad result indeed.
 
   Drawing one of the Elk permits on the reserve is probably a once in a lifetime event.  Maybe you can sweet talk her up to a .308 Winchester?
 
 
 

[Ranch13]

 It won't matter much what the elk is shot with, if you don't spine them, a hit thru the heart lungs or even multiple hits , they can travel anywhere from 2ft  to a quarter of a mile....
 Leave her be with the rifle she's used to and can shoot well, it'll all go fine.

[BBF]

I'm real interested how that will work out.
 
 There is a Preserve at a reasonable distance from here that allows meat hunts on hinds for a fair price. I have no use or place for antlers so this is more then likely my way to get a larger meat animal.
Buffalo are way to big for two people to consume in a reasonable time
 
The outfitter hasn't mentioned any cartridge restriction( I haven't asked either) and I have some choices myself. I do have a 6.5x55 that I got recently and 160 gr Hdy bullets. Then there are two Handi's in 45-70 that need to be "blooded".......... Decisions,decisions.

[Harry Snippe]

I'm real interested how that will work out.
 
 There is a Preserve at a reasonable distance from here that allows meat hunts on hinds for a fair price. I have no use or place for antlers so this is more then likely my way to get a larger meat animal.
Buffalo are way to big for two people to consume in a reasonable time
 
The outfitter hasn't mentioned any cartridge restriction( I haven't asked either) and I have some choices myself. I do have a 6.5x55 that I got recently and 160 gr Hdy bullets. Then there are two Handi's in 45-70 that need to be "blooded".......... Decisions,decisions.

From experiance do not use the Hornady 160 round nose . your are better off with a premium 140 gr.

[nomosendero]

   I don't know if this is a factor or not, but I recall that almost all of the Elk reserve is adjacent to a long strech of the Buffalo River, and that some of the reserve land is only a couple of hundred yards wide.
 
   All other folks who replied have said that an Elk shot with the 6.5 Swede may very well run for a while.  If the Elk goes in the river, then you will have a sad result indeed.
 
   Drawing one of the Elk permits on the reserve is probably a once in a lifetime event.  Maybe you can sweet talk her up to a .308 Winchester?

No, the area we are hunting is a few miles wide. The pastures/food plots that the AGF has planted are along the river, & the river is the concern. We will be a long ways from private land. And if the Elk go into the river, it is not the end of finding them, but I really don't want to do any swimming or wading in Dec.

[nomosendero]

I have tagged several Wyoming elk in the last 20 years.  Most were what I call eatin' size.  By that I mean cows, spikes, and raghorns.  The biggest was only 5X5.  I have used '06, 280 Rem., 35 Whelen, 444 Marlin, and 6.5X55 SE.  A variety of shot angles occurred but the bullet always found the heart/lung area.  Some ran a little ways but never more than 100 yds.  Some didn't appear hit even though they fell just out of sight.  Others just stumbled around and fell pretty close.
 
I've learned a few very important lessons from elk that a truckload of whitetails, antelope, and mule deer never taught me.  First, never shoot unless you are dead sure of making a good shot -- never take an iffy shot.  Second, assume that your first shot was deadly and do not shoot again unless you are absolutely positive you are still shooting at the same animal.  Third, follow up every shot by going on foot to the spot, searching for signs of a hit, and tracking until every possibility has been examined.
 
If you shoot an elk through the lungs it will die quickly even though it may cover some ground in the few seconds before dropping.  The 6.5X55 with 140 gr. Nosler PT will do the job on any cow elk if the bullet gets to the heart/lungs.  I cannot recommend neck or head shots for elk even though I have taken a few deer that way.
 
Work up the load, practice in pre-season and have faith in your skills and equipment.  After all, elk are just big deer.
 
I am an old Missouri boy with ancestoral roots in NE Arkansas.  The idea of elk roaming along the Buffalo River is just downright exciting.  Good luck with your adventure.
 
2009 Spike Elk, Medicine Bow Nat'l. Forest near Albany, WY
Rem. 700 Classic 6.5X55 with Leupold FX 4X scope

Thanks for the input, the 140 Patition is looking better all the time.

[WyoStillhunter]

To make things a little clearer (?):
 
As mentioned above, I have taken elk with several calibers.  The range has never been over 100 yards.  The caliber has never been a factor.  Elk shot through the heart/lung area will travel a little ways and may not at first appear to have been hit.  I would not give a nickle's difference between any caliber I have used, or the .308 or .300 WM for that matter.  Elk shot through the spine or brain go right down -- others do not.  In my experience this is no different than little whitetails.  Shot placement is Job #1.
 
Tracking and recovering is part of hunting.  Don't worry about it.  It's always been that way.  Elk hunting is not a video game.  Commit to hunting well, making wise decisions, shooting accurately, and doing the work it takes to track and retrieve the result of a good shot.
 
The first elk I shot was a cow in 1992.  I walked in on several of them in some pretty big timber.  At the shot they all tore out, disappearing in a flash.  I was using an '06 that had killed plenty of Missouri whitetails.  When I followed up the shot I found no dead elk.  I was confused.  I moved forward and saw an obviously "sick" elk standing below me.  I shot it in the neck.  It was a bull calf (elk version of a button buck).  I was shocked at the size.  It was much bigger than any whitetail even though it was the young of the year.  It was a big job for me to field dress that calf by myself.  My grown son hiked in the next day to help me pack it out.
 
Post mortem exam and butchering found only a small piece of copper jacket near the kidney of that calf.  Again I was confused.  I know I had my sights on the ribs of a cow and the distance was less than 85 yds.  After taking grown elk the next two seasons and watching their reaction to the shot it finally dawned on me what happened on that first elk hunt.  I now know that I surely shot clear through the cow and part of the bullet hit the calf.  The cow bolted with the rest of the elk into thick timber down a steep ridge and probably piled up in a heap less than 200 yards from the shot.  She was dead from the git-go but adrenalin and gravity took her out of sight before dropping.  And none of that was the fault of the '06 rifle or bullet.  It's just the way things are with elk.
 
 
Finally, experienced elk hunters know "After you shoot is when the real work begins."  Hunting elk is not all about the guns.  Hunting elk is all about the total process.  The gun and the shot are only one piece of the full deal.  When I am no longer able to commit to the tracking, gutting, quartering, and hauling I will stop chasing elk.
 
2006 Cow with Marlin 444
No problem tracking this one after the shot -- thanks to the snow.  Fell only 3/10 mi. from the truck and that's a rare treat.  It was still a chore to get her out next day.

[BBF]

..........................
........................
The outfitter hasn't mentioned any cartridge restriction( I haven't asked either) and I have some...........

From experiance do not use the Hornady 160 round nose . your are better off with a premium 140 gr.

I couldn't keep silent so I asked the outfitter, his reply was a 30-30 or better. That answer the distance question for sure.
 
I will pack a 45-70 and just in case the dependable 30-06

[Fire Fox]

I have used the 6.5 x 55 in a carbine since I was 16 and have taken just about everything I wanted even a asian buffalo with no problems. If you keep the ranges 250 or under 300 yards and make a good shot with the 140 partition you should have no problems. I try to break something important because a lung shot elk with just about any caliber can run a long ways before expiring. From what you seem to say your wife shoots the rifle well ( that is one of the most important things. The 140 nosler works very well I have a buddy that uses nothing but the 6.5 rifle for moose in Canada with great results. He has never lost a bull yet and goes every two years for the past 11 years. However, he shoots the rifle very well and has had it since he was a boy just as I have. However, Moose are bigger than elk but easier to stop as a rule in my experience. Elk run forever while a moose will generally stand there with a lung shot and let you shoot him 3 or more times if you need to. The 140 partition should give you complete penetration on a heart lung shot and expand well with a lot of damage. My opinion and experience has been that the 6.5 sweed will do just about anything the 308 will and it works well on elk if you shoot well and place the shot well. Hope this helps.

[wallypedal]

I agree with those who say use the Swede with 140 Nosler pt's. I killed my first elk in Wyo in 1964 when I was 17, hunting on my own. I also don't agree with the neck/head shot. I know if the shot is good they drop, but if it's off just a little it can get ugly. Nothing sadder than to see a fine game animal with its jaw shot off. If the elk have their winter coat, there's a lot of hair on that neck that has nothing solid underneath it - just look at some summertime elk pics vs. winter type.
Confidence and good shooting from not too far will accomplish what you want. The guys who elk hunt steep ground that results in tough packing will often go for the shoulder, just barely ahead of the crease. Those PT's can handle that. Whether it's in Africa or Canada/Alaska no one advises head/neck shots, except on elephants! Shoulder shots broadside result in some lost meat, but less usually from the PT's because of the controlled expansion. If you want more feedback, go to the Nosler forum and ask the same question.
Wallypedal 

[Empty Quiver]

[quote author=WyoStillhunter link=topic=236609.msg1099340650#msg1099340650 date=13100495.
 
 
Finally, experienced elk hunters know "After you shoot is when the real work begins."  Hunting elk is not all about the guns.  Hunting elk is all about the total process.  The gun and the shot are only one piece of the full deal.  When I am no longer able to commit to the tracking, gutting, quartering, and hauling I will stop chasing elk.
 
Ain't that the truth. I looked at my first elk on the ground and thought " Lord what have I done?" May I suggest two knives, and a stone would not be redundant.

[nomosendero]

I agree with those who say use the Swede with 140 Nosler pt's. I killed my first elk in Wyo in 1964 when I was 17, hunting on my own. I also don't agree with the neck/head shot. I know if the shot is good they drop, but if it's off just a little it can get ugly. Nothing sadder than to see a fine game animal with its jaw shot off. If the elk have their winter coat, there's a lot of hair on that neck that has nothing solid underneath it - just look at some summertime elk pics vs. winter type.
Confidence and good shooting from not too far will accomplish what you want. The guys who elk hunt steep ground that results in tough packing will often go for the shoulder, just barely ahead of the crease. Those PT's can handle that. Whether it's in Africa or Canada/Alaska no one advises head/neck shots, except on elephants! Shoulder shots broadside result in some lost meat, but less usually from the PT's because of the controlled expansion. If you want more feedback, go to the Nosler forum and ask the same question.
Wallypedal

Agreed, she won't be doing a head/neck shot. I have decided to try the 140 Partition, even though the 125 Partition she is using now for Deer would likely be fine, might as well have the extra insurance. I will start load development soon, but with over a 100degrees every day with high humidity, I will likely give it another couple of weeks.

[wallypedal]

Oops, just went back and saw your post when looking for info on that other forum. Hope the load development and hunt go great - like to know the results of both!

[shot1]

Work up to it but Accurate Arms Powder's ballistics person that I talked to a few years back on the phone told me that 45 gr AA-4350 is a max load for a Mauser 96 with 140 gr bullets but is the ticket. I have used 140 Sierra and Hornady bullets with this load and it is really accurate and out of the 29" barrel of the M-96 Swede it averages 2850 fps. The Accurate manual says that this load out of a 24" barrel will do 2629 fps. That should put the smack down on an elk.

[Sweet 6.5]

I am also hunting with you guys on this one! We need every detail from load development
to the actual hunt! 

[billy_56081]

The swede will work fine with a 140 partition. Shoot her through the lungs and there wiull be a dead elk. The head neck shot would only be for an extremly close shot. Go for the lungs anyone who tells you different is a dude hunter.

[gr8ful]

I have had really good luck with 140 gr Partitions and H4831 at just under Max in my M96.  Loads are from Nosler 7th edition manual.

[nomosendero]

I am also hunting with you guys on this one! We need every detail from load development
to the actual hunt! 

You got it!

[T.R.]

My wife hunts elk, mule deer, antelope, and whitetails with her custom Browning in 6.5mm Swede.  The 140 grain Nosler Partition will out penetrate the big magnums yet recoil is moderate.

TR

[BW56]

I looked at my first elk on the ground and thought " Lord what have I done?" May I suggest two knives, and a stone would not be redundant.
    lol,  just 2 years ago i said oh my what have i done. Had 4 knives and got her gutted and loaded whole by my self in a suburban. Having never done nothing bigger than a rabbit. Finished the job at the cabin watching U tube videos done on a deer. Biggest thing i learned was i will NEVER hunt alone again.

[BBF]

I can understand your feeling. I was lucky with my first moose, we were three guys and two had experience with that size critter.