Should I use a 6.5x55 or 270 win for elk? Or should I buy a new gun? Thanks.?

Question

Should I use a 6.5x55 or 270 win for elk? Or should I buy a new gun? Thanks.?

Answer 1

Either caliber will take down an elk; just be sure to obtain the heaviest bullets you can and make sure you sight in with same before the hunt.

Answer 2

A .270 will work.  There are different powder loads so make sure it's 140 grains or more.

Answer 3

Plenty of elk have been taken with both. The .270 is the 2nd most popular big game round behind the .30-06. Although, in Norway and Sweden, hunters use their 6.5X55's to take every animal , even moose and the occasional bear. The 6.5mm cartridges are also excellent penetraters.

Answer 4

a new gun because most likely as a begginer you wont get very close to the bulls and you may need a little more "hrumph" to bring them down from a little further away but there is no need in this case for an ultra long range gun but a medium range gun without insane recoil so a 300 rem ultra mag using power level 3 ammo would work out to 400 yards and if you can handle the recoil use a 338 which is good out to 700 yards btw my first bull was taken with a 338 win mag when i was 12 at 408 yards and the recoil was manageable but i was a big kid but if you can get the bulls in real close or you are in deep woods a 270 with the most powerful ammo(with 150 grainers or heaviers if you can find them but they are rare)would do the trick

Answer 5

I'll tell you what I know.  I've never shot a 6.5x55, and I'm not a big supporter of the .270.  That is my personal preference.  You need to make sure, for your safety, and a fast kill, that you use something that will, not only, work, but that you are personally comfortable with.  If you go buy a new gun, make sure that you buy it in enough time that you will be able to take it to the range and practice so you can be comfortable with shooting it.  If you already have something that you are comfortable with and it can do the job (such as the .270) don't waste your money on a new gun.  Make sure you have the right ammo, and you'll do fine.

Answer 6

6.5x55 will do the job . Its all about shot placement anyway just remember past 300yards this round looses its effectiveness as do most high powered rifles they still have enough energy for a humain kill but the bullet will drop 15" or more if you have it zeroed at 100 yrds.

Answer 7

The 6.5x55 is actually a .26 caliber.  The .270 is a .27 caliber.  If you want to buy a new .270 Winchester, well that's fine of course.  But if you're going through the expense get something a little bigger than your 6.5x55.  How about a .30-06 or even a .300 WSM?  I mean the .270 is great for Elk and deer but too small for anything else.  Your 6.5x55 will work for Elk but is smallish for anything bigger so you're not at a huge advantage with a .270 over your 6.5x55?  So why not just get something bigger than the .270 Winchester?

Anyway, that's my opinion.  Of course, if you want to own a lot of rifles (like I do), then by all means get that .270 Win.  

H

Answer 8

Both will take Elk, but you will have to pick your

shots with either as they're a bit light.

The 270 has more power, and I'd use a premium bullet,

like a Barnes X for penetration.

Answer 9

This is a repeat of last month's question.

Neither is big enough under all conditions. Shots at Elk are seldom if ever perfect pathways between the rifle and the Elk.

Buy a "Variable Eliminator" also known as a .338 Winchester Magnum or eqivalent. Then, go hunt some Elk with confidance.

Answer 10

Compare the ballistics of the guns for a reasonable answer.  Also at what distance is your average shot?  Where are you planning on hunting?  The Olympic Peninsula and the coastal areas of Washington will be very short range compared to the sage prairies of the central Washington area. The mountains of Idaho and western Montana are different than Wyoming and Washington.  For an all purpose gun for most animals in North America, I still prefer the .30-06.  For elk, I use a 220 grain slug, for mule deer a 170,  for smaller deer and varmints, a 160 or down to a 110 for target practice with a lower powder charge.  Never handload over specifications, it can be fatal to YOU.  Good luck.

Answer 11

The 6.5x55 and 270 are fairly close. If you are not satisfied withe 6.5 go for something much larger like a 300 Win Mag for the Elk hunt.

Answer 12

I use a .270 and it works great. It's all about shot placement.

Answer 13

the 270. win will do just fine its an excellent calibre

Answer 14

Well the 6.5x 55 is a great old round that is not well known here in the states and would work but if you have a.270 it would probably be the best choice but use a good bullet designed for larger game. good luck

Answer 15

270 is a nice gun. Your gun is as good as the person behind it. practice, practice, practice, then when you think you are good PRACTICE. 270 with a 150 gr. will get you out there. however you lose knockdown power. a heavier bullet will have knockdown power however you lose accuracy at longer distances. Practice. hope this is help full.