Wow, I see the 6.5x55 swede garners a lot of attention around here! I thought I was the only one to have a crush on this old military round. Anyway, onward to business. I was curious if it would be wise to try and shoot an elk with a 6.5x55 swede. I've read many stories of lads shooting moose, cape buffalo, and even elephants with it. I'm sure these hunters were great shots. I on the other hand am a 'decent' shot. So any suggestions on bullet types? I'm not a handloader although I wish I was, so it'll have to be stuff that can be bought at the gun store.

Thank you,

William Cody

Without reloading you are limited on this side of the pond. Best factory is ammo is going to be Norma, look into the 156 gr bullets they have several choices. Lapua also makes good 6.5x55 ammo.



Domestic ammo is so-so, Federal uses good bullet but underloads the cartridge seriously, Remington underloads and the best bullet is a power point, Hornady in the LM series has the velocity up, but I would perfer better bullets. Really no great choices.

Barnes and nosler 140's have worked very well for us on elk in the .260, 6.5-284, and the .264. I would load some up as fast as possible and go elk hunting.

I'd be a little pickier with shot selection/placement than with my .338, but I'd surely hunt elk with my 6.5X55 shooting 140 grain Barnes X bullets.