Big enough?

[oklahunter]

I was wanting opinions on whether a 6.5 x 284 with a 140 grain accubond would be big enough for elk. I looked at the velocity and energy and compared it to a 280 Remington and they are both real similar.
Thanks

 

[DW]

Plenty

 

[Zeke]

Yep, what DW said.
Zeke

 

[2lumpy]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-13-15 AT 08:51PM (MST)[p]I'm probably the least knowledgeable about ballistics, energy coefficients and all that stuff that goes with these kinds of questions, on MM. I'm clueless, I just go by what my eyes tell me.

My son and I each bought 6.5 284's three years ago. I haven't killed elk with mine yet but those critters that I have shot it at, have all had a large gaping hole on the off side of their shoulders. We shoot 140 grain Bergers. I've shot quite a bunch of elk with my 7MM and 300 WinMag calibers. So far, I would say the 6.5 284's have as much killing power as my 7MM and 300 WMag but I have not yet personally seen what it does to an elk.

I've said it before, but I'll repeat it again. There is some kind of "weird" physics going on with the 6.5 284, that is giving it something more than I understand. And with my Savage there is hardly any recoil. Never owned a Savage that I cared for but I really like this one, sloppy bolt action and all.

Oh, retail 6.5 284 cartridges can be a challenge to find at times. I've gone to reload for mine now.

DC

 

[257Tony]

No magic involved 6.5 140 grain has a really high SD, penetrates really well. Most have high BC also, retaining velocity as well.

 

[oklahunter]

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it. You have made me feel good about using it.

 

[Zeke]

OK, I feel like stirring the pot a bit:

While there might be something "magic" about the 6.5x284 (which there isn't, aside from acceptable velocities and a high BC), the biggest factor in the "awesome" performance and acceptance is the fact that "shooters" are the ones who are using them. You know, they are actually being used by guys who will practice and make "perfect" rather than just hoping top hit a paper plate at 100 yards!
These guns get shot, tested, ballistics run on the computer, great scopes installed properly on them and a whole lotta "press" about them.
Me thinks that if you did all that to a rock, you'd have a damn fine rock!
Yes, the 6.5 is pretty fine but MOST hunters have ZERO idea or skill to PROPERLY take advantage of any ballistics gain over a "standard" cartridge.
But they are damn cool and certainly adequate, for most applications, and damn sure wonderful if a guy shoots one a bunch.

My 2 cents (and take it as a personal compliment if you ever plan on raving about a particular cartridge)

Zeke

 

[littlebighorn]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-14-15 AT 01:29PM (MST)[p]Jack O'Connor often used his trusty 270 on elk, but he preferred the 150 grain pill over the 130. Elk are big boned large animals. For that reason I think he even stated that he preferred his 06 to his 270 when it came to larger game.

He also preached that bullet placement was far more important than the specific size and speed of the medicine.
I tend to agree. It's vital to know the limits of any weapon and use it ethically and appropriately. Your skill as a marksman seems much more important than what you use. So if you shoot it well and know YOUR limitations it will work! IMO

 

[Servehim]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-15-15 AT 01:48AM (MST)[p]+1. Marksmanship far surpasses all the BC etc. That being the case , more power ,weight , bullet construction very much comes into play on a maginal hit. I'll stick with my .338 with 250 gr. nosler partions (just in case things don't go exactly as planned ) when my bullet exits the muzzle on an elk rifle hunt. Great elk medicine.