I have only shot a moose with an ELD-X bullet (143 gr from 6.5 Creedmoor). The frontal shot was only 15 yards, and I could not find the bullet in the blood and shredded lung mess. It did not penetrate past the diaphragm. (Not surprising for a cup and core on such a large animal at this range). The moose only staggered 5 yards from where it stood when shot before going down and expiring.
This ammo is accurate in my rifle, out to 500 yards.
I have recently tried the new Federal Terminal Ascent 136 gr ammo in my rifle, and it shoots better than 1/2" groups, and performed very well in New Zealand for red stag (296 yards), fallow buck (267 yards), and arapawa rams (120 and 122 yards) this spring. Would like to see then produce a load for the Swede!
I too like the 6.5x55 with Partitions (140 gr) for all big game...but have switched mostly over to the AccuBond over the years...but still use the Partitions when I have them, in the 6.5 and other calibers/cartridges. The 120 gr BT's also work well on deer, and with mild to moderate loads will produce even less recoil. (I do not like muzzle breaks for reducing recoil; lighter bullets w/ reduced loads are more ideal for me).
I too had serious shoulder issues. Have you tried installing a LimbSaver recoil pad on your rifle? It will make a significant difference in felt recoil over the factory recoil pads.
Another option would be to get a PAST shoulder recoil pad to wear.
As for the 243, any cup and core bullet will work well on deer, even our large northern variety, which are usually larger than those found south of the border. While I personally have limited experience with this caliber on deer (it has worked for me), I have hunted with several others who have used them successfully on numerous whitetails and mulies, mostly with factory Winchester 100 gr Power Points and Remington 100 gr Corelokts.
Of course, there are lots of hunting shows where the hunters have used the ELD-X bullets on a wide variety of game, and the results are good, so I wouldn't hesitate to develop a load that is accurate in your rifle, and then hunt deer with them, or any of the other bullets you have on hand.
If you find max loads uncomfortable for your shoulder, try backing off a few grains (without getting into under pressure issues) and see what is comfortable and accurate for you.
This ammo is accurate in my rifle, out to 500 yards.
I have recently tried the new Federal Terminal Ascent 136 gr ammo in my rifle, and it shoots better than 1/2" groups, and performed very well in New Zealand for red stag (296 yards), fallow buck (267 yards), and arapawa rams (120 and 122 yards) this spring. Would like to see then produce a load for the Swede!
I too like the 6.5x55 with Partitions (140 gr) for all big game...but have switched mostly over to the AccuBond over the years...but still use the Partitions when I have them, in the 6.5 and other calibers/cartridges. The 120 gr BT's also work well on deer, and with mild to moderate loads will produce even less recoil. (I do not like muzzle breaks for reducing recoil; lighter bullets w/ reduced loads are more ideal for me).
I too had serious shoulder issues. Have you tried installing a LimbSaver recoil pad on your rifle? It will make a significant difference in felt recoil over the factory recoil pads.
Another option would be to get a PAST shoulder recoil pad to wear.
As for the 243, any cup and core bullet will work well on deer, even our large northern variety, which are usually larger than those found south of the border. While I personally have limited experience with this caliber on deer (it has worked for me), I have hunted with several others who have used them successfully on numerous whitetails and mulies, mostly with factory Winchester 100 gr Power Points and Remington 100 gr Corelokts.
Of course, there are lots of hunting shows where the hunters have used the ELD-X bullets on a wide variety of game, and the results are good, so I wouldn't hesitate to develop a load that is accurate in your rifle, and then hunt deer with them, or any of the other bullets you have on hand.
If you find max loads uncomfortable for your shoulder, try backing off a few grains (without getting into under pressure issues) and see what is comfortable and accurate for you.