Elk bullet in 6.5x55 Swede

E

efw

Handloader
Jan 17, 2011
620
4
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
 
Might look at the Norma Oryx bullet but I’d lean towards the Barnes TTSX if it were me.

Vince
 
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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Can't imagine the 140gr Partition or AccuBond wouldn't put a hurting on an elk at any reasonable distance. I haven't shot any elk with mine but the 140gr PT has really impressed me on deer. The copper bullets are another option but they need more velocity to reliably expand where as the PT & AB will do so down to 1800 fps.
 
Ok the gent who I’m going with can’t make 26 work so it’ll now be (Lord willing) Wyoming mule deer in 26 and Wyoming elk in 27.

I’m hoping I can mule deer hunt a unit that we could draw elk in 27 so it can serve as a elk scouting trip.

That’ll also allow me to get another rifle… prolly 7RM or PRC?

Still gonna mess w/ 129 LRAB & 140 LRAB ;)
 
Eric,
My wife has used the 129 ABLR in her 6.5 Creedmoor and it absolutely hammers deer, DRT.

JD338
 
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on a perfect rifle set up. I was always enamored of the 264 winchester regardless its reputation as a barrel burner. My dad killed moose, deer, elk, grizz, caribou ( with at least one Quigley) and at least 1/2 dozen sheep with his. The 6.5 prc is essentially the same, modest recoil, great bullets. If I was to build an ultra light rifle for the next 10 years I think it would be in a 22 to 24 inch 6 pound class, wearing something like a 2.5x8 scope in 6.5 prc. Out to 400 yards a perfect setup for Wyoming deer and elk.
The Swede has a storied reputation but I think you’d be pushing her a bit at 400 on elk.
Good luck on your Wyoming draws. I’m in the same boat, trying for Wyoming deer next year and Elk the year after.
 
salmonchaser said:
The Swede has a storied reputation but I think you’d be pushing her a bit at 400 on elk
Click to expand...
I agree with this, when i carried my 260 for elk I gave myself a 200-250yd max with a good shot.
salmonchaser said:
I was always enamored of the 264 winchester
Click to expand...
The 264WM is my current go to rifle, built similar to what you described for a PRC, but i didn't have ultra light in mind, mine has a 25" barrel and a Maven 2-10x38 and is in the 8# class. Thought about changing a few things to get a bit lighter. The easy button would be the Weatherby backcountry in 6.5RPM.
 
Plenty of Elk have fallen to numerous 6.5/.264" projectiles at that distance. That said shot placement is key to success, and a light recoiling rifle with the proper bullet will get the job done!
Try either the 125 Partition, or the 127 LRX in your 6.5x55. Both have a lower velocity range to function properly. Both will get the speeds up and allow them to do their job.
 
Or you could just go get one rifle to do everything in North America.
That’s right, the .338 Win Mag. Enough for moose, grizzlies, elk, and deer. Sheep too if you’re so inclined.

Vince
 
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