I got my moose last year in Ontario using the 6.5x55 with a 160gr. SPSP (round nose to me). A lot depends on your rifle if you're going to use this caliber for elk. It's powerful enough but some many doubt that it's a flat shooting enough rifle. Mine is a Remington 700 Classic that can be loaded pretty stiffly. I can get 2800fps out of a 140gr. bullet. I don't know if you would want to load a military action to that level. Unless you can load this round to about that speed the bullet is going to drop quite a bit. I really like the 6.5x55, a good accurate cartridge that will play merry olde hell with an animals boiler room, but I never hear it much recommended for elk. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I'd say at shorter ranges, try loading out a 156gr. Oryx as fast as you can, otherwise go with a max 140gr. Partition load.

It's like hunting elk w/ a .270, if I had to I would but there are better options. Norma, Federal & Hornady make good 140gr loads for the 6.5. I would opt for the Norma loaded w/ the Nosler or Oryx, plus Norma runs a bit faster than our domestic.

Well, I have a rifle problem of sorts. I've got 3 different rifles, a 6.5x55 swede, a 30-30 win, and a marlin 45-70. I would like to use the 45-70 but I cant seem to shoot well with it(IT has iron sights). I can shoot well with the 30-30 and it has iron sights. Some one told me that the micro groove barrel in the 45-70 was a flop. I've tried several different loads of ammo, federal, rem., and win. with no luck. (I have a micro groove 45-70). So i'm kinda feelin like I'm stuck with the 6.5x55. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Will

I think a 6.5 x 55 will take alot of big sized game. However the other guys on here are right. I handload, so it is not a problem for me to tailor the load I need for the situation.

If I had to rely on store ammo and the Norma was not available, ( nor would I pay that much for it!), I'd work on the 45/70 you mentioned myself.

Good luck
cheers and good shooting
seafire

I used the swede to hunt elk, but upgraded this year to a .338WM

I used only partitions in my handloads, I really think your best bet would be to find a way to load some for yourself. Pick your shot and the swede will be fine for elk.