Elk bullet in 6.5x55 Swede

E

efw

Handloader
Jan 17, 2011
619
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Been on a hunting and shooting hiatus for years as I cared for an ailing mother in law and in the process became obsessed with fishing.

Missed you guys while I’ve been gone; hit my component guy’s place today and just about shat myself when I saw the prices!!!! I haven’t even thought about buying reloading stuff since maybe 22 at the very latest so you can imagine my surprise! IMR & Hodgon $69/lb!?!?

Finally gonna burn my Wyoming elk points in 26 and the heaviest cartridge in my arsenal is a Swede. It has shot everything I’ve tried REALLY well but I’m thinking a 140 Gameking, NBT, or 130 NAB. Open to suggestions outside these. Self-imposed shot limit will be 400 yds.

Anyone with experience? I don’t think this is crazy light is it? My rifle loonie days are behind me but a Tikka T3 in 7 RM would be my choice if I bought one for this hunt. I’d prefer to put the money into other gear! Need a new rifle like a hole in my head so I’d prefer to take the Swede!
 
Thanks Jim we def need to meet up it’s been too long!

Is the 140 NAB soft enough to open at Swede velocities out to 400 yds? I didn’t know if it was constructed with the WM or other fast 6.5s in mind?

Anyone have experience with the Swede on elk sized game?
 
Welcome back , yes things have gotten pricy over the past 5 years.
No elk or Swede here but I agree with Jim on the 140gr PT.
 
This link is to an interesting article that compares hunting bullets in the 6.5 PRC cartridge. While this article is not about the 6.5x55 Swede, you may find some of the observations to be useful/relevant to your decision.
www.shootingtimes.com

16 Best Picks for 6.5 PRC Hunting Loads from Joseph von Benedikt - Shooting Times

By every metric, the 6.5 PRC cartridge is currently the fastest-growing hunting cartridge. Possibly ever. Here's Joseph's pick of the litter in terms of hunting loads.
www.shootingtimes.com www.shootingtimes.com
 
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Nothing wrong with the 130 gr AB, or the 130 gr Terminal Ascent bullet, and you would be able to get over 2800 fps in a 24" barrel with either in a modern action. Look at H4350 or Hunter for these bullets. I would limit them to 300 yards on elk though...as you'll be not much over the recommended 1500 ft lbs of retained energy at that distance.
I have taken a cow elk at 370 yards once with the Swede and a 140 gr PT, but found it wanting.
I would prefer to use the 140 gr AB for elk for the higher retained velocity and energy, but there is nothing wrong with the Partition. I would also prefer to get closer to the 2780 fps with handloads vs the 2650 fps that factory loads will provide. And yes, it will reliably expand as long as retained velocity is over 1900 fps at the animal (about 450 yards at factory velocities), but I would recommend the energy over the velocity for reliable performance on elk...they are tenacious! (and stay off that onside shoulder!)
 
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