I'm tossing around the idea of getting a lightweight bolt rifle in 6.5 CM for all types of hunting. Based on what I have heard/read, I feel the 6.5 CM will do very well on mule deer-sized game and smaller, but I'm curious as to it's effectiveness on elk. (If I ever get the chance to hunt moose or large bears, I will get a rifle for that use.)

I know bullet technology has improved greatly, there are great loads out there, and lots of people are killing elk with the 6.5 CM round. And I know that shot placement is important no matter the caliber.

My thinking is that the 6.5 will allow me to kill most anything I hunt effectively and also be lots of fun to take out to 1000 yards at the range.

Am I off base here or missing anything?

How do you feel about the round on elk?

Any thoughts in general on the round or it's staying power in the market?

Let me preface my post with two facts about me:

1) Im not usually into "non traditonal" calibers. They are more expensive, less available at non online retailers, and what in North America cant be taken with .22, .223, .243, .308, .270, 30-06, .300 win mag, etc?

2) When it comes to bolt rifles, Im not a huge fan of the chassis systems that more and more companies are manufacturing to throw on remingtons, savage, winchester, and more.


That being said, I threw all of that out the window and bought a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 creedmoor and it may be my new favorite bolt rifle. It doesnt look as good as my Remington 700 CDL that has a wood stock and stainless steel barrel, but it sure as hell out shoots it by a mile and is far more functional/ergonomic. Now I realize you arent looking at that rifle as it especially doesnt fall under the "lightweight" category, but I just wanted to share what gun I was shooting the round through.

6.5 itself I think is very versatile. With the new technologies in Hornady/Nosler/Federal bullets they make different grains and bullet types for just about every type of game you could need to take. I personally shoot the Hornady Custom 120 gn AMAX and love how well performs. I get .75 inch groups at 100 yards and could get better than that if I was a better shooter. I think long range target shooters alone will keep the round around for a long time and I'd eventually hope to see it as a caliber like .300 blackout that isnt a standard caliber, but you can find it in most places like Walmart now. I've got no comment on the elk as the biggest animal I've ever taken is a deer.

The 6.5 swede has taken a lot of moose in Europe.

I would think the right bullet in the 6.5 creedmore would be enough for elk.

Yes it has, of course just incase most don't know what we call Elk in the US are actually Moose in Europe/Russia.

I love my 6.5 creedmore browning xbolt. You are welcome to borrow and take it to the range it's fantastic round and light gun

Lots of people shoot elk with it.

I run the 143gr Precision Hunter out of my 6.5CM bolt gun with almost no difference in accuracy over the 140gr ELD match.

I would think as long as your competent in your shot placement and range, then you shouldn't have much difficulty taking down an elk.

I debated between .308 and 6.5CM when building my bolt gun, but settled on the 6.5CM and couldn't be happier. I feel like the 6.5CM is a little more user friendly in that the adjustments aren't as crucial as with a .308. The biggest issue is ammo availability. I usually order mine several boxes at a time online, but I have started seeing it pop up more often at Bass Pro.

At any rate, if I wanted to switch to a .308, I could just screw on a .308 barrel and be good to go. Best of both worlds.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I guess another question I should be asking is... what can 6.5 CM do that my 7mm-08 can't? (Not that I'm one that ever needs to find a reason to "justify" a gun purchase...)

Thanks man. Sounds like we need to make a range trip. I'll buy the ammo (and lunch). I'll let you know when I get ready to look seriously at one.

Its one of those things. You make a perfect shot and the elk will run 75 yards, pile up, and you'll wonder why you even worried. You make a mediocre shot, you'll find a little blood, maybe get another glimpse of the animal if you're lucky, and then kick yourself for years to come. When you consider the resources expended on an elk hunt is that what you want to set yourself up for?

Very true, although you could really say the same thing about any caliber in that scenario.

And I'm a bowhunter at heart, so I really have to accept this reality every time I draw my bow.

AgEng06 said:

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Very true, although you could really say the same thing about any caliber in that scenario.

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To some degree the larger calibers will give your more leeway. I hit a big cow in the hips at about 200 yards. 300 Wthby, 180 grn partititon. Bullet destroyed both sides and she never took a step. Bad shot on my part but I was out of breath, she was moving, and you take what you can get on public land. A lighter round might not have turned out the same.

Another cool stary- Brother and good friend got an invite to hunt a prime ranch near Trinidad. My brother had his 7mm rem. Tried for a month to convince my friend to take my 300 but he insisted on using his 270 win. They both got shots at 400 yards. My brother came home with a 360" trophy. They found blood on what my buddy swore was a good shot, but no elk. His hunt was over. He's still sick over it.



My opinion, lots of people get worked up over what a gun will do at the range. The 6.5CM is a great caliber but outside of a Texas box stand, real world hunting rarely gives range like conditions. Error on the side of caution anytime you can plan ahead.

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And I'm a bowhunter at heart, so I really have to accept this reality every time I draw my bow.

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I guess that's why I shoot an Excalibur.

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I guess that's why I shoot an Excalibur.

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Oh now you're just talkin' crazy...



And thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

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My brother had his 7mm rem

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Talmbout!