Using 6.5X55 Sweed for Moose

[Daryl308]

Hi,

Just looking for your thoughts. I have a young shooter and they are enjoying shooting my 6.5x55. If I load it up with 160 grain, do you think that would work for Northern Ontario Moose?

I don't see any issues under 400 yards.

Thanks

 

[CV32]

Yes, it will be a fine cartridge for moose. I have used it in 140 gr flavours for moose without issues. As always, it matters most where you hit em, and it matters less what you hit em with.

 

[reb]

Yes I have used the Swede for Elk and Moose with the 140 gr.

 

[Blackcats]

Not to sound like an A-- hole , but what do you think the Swedes and Swiss use ?

 

[CV32]

Not to sound like an A-- hole , but what do you think the Swedes and Swiss use ?

I'll borrow from your phraseology when I say there haven't been any moose in Switzerland for over 1,000 years.

That said, the 6.5x55 remains popular in places like Sweden and Norway for big game, although Europe has access to lots of "North American" cartridges too.

 

[Bigbubba]

Pretty much the standard cartridge for hunting in Finland Sweden & Norway.

Except they call moose elk.

 

[skwerl]

Hey Welcome 2 CGN

 

[Great North Guns]

Not to sound like an A-- hole , but what do you think the Swedes use ?

30-06

 

[Hmatt]

30-06

Correct

 

[Hitzy]

I'd be more inclined to load a 130/140 bonded at higher velocities then the 160 if you are regularly taking cracks out to 400.
Those 160s are great up close, just a bit of a morter at 400.

 

[dead meat]

I agree with the 140gr bullet for moose. Worked great for me and my 6.5x55.

 

[7mag]

No problem for moose. They go down easy! This years moose was shot with a 6.5 Grendel and 123g ELD-M bullet. 200ish yards through the heart!

 

[Lefty Dick]

Gheesh everyone is using glorified target bullets to kill moose with their 6.5 Creed’s!

Why would the 6.5x55 loaded with actual hunting bullets not be enough?!?!?!

 

[MiG25]

In my view, all around cartridges start with the 6.5x55

 

[Leavenworth]

I’m no expert but those Scandinavian’s been using them to kill moose for years ! I wouldn’t give it a second thought . Go and get a moose !
Leavenworth

 

[MilitaryCollectorMark]

If I would go for moose I'll be loading up some 156 gr RN bullets.

 

[starvin]

160 grain woodleigh worked for my kid. 6.5x57

 

[Decker9]

With the slower 160gr I think you’d see good results. I took my first goat with the same combo and worked fantastic. 400 yards is a bit overboard I think though for the 160’s in the swede.

On that note. I took my last bull with my 6.5 prc and 140gr AB at 2975fps, center lung at 40 yards. It worked, but very very slowly. That was the longest expiry time Iv ever had, certainly won’t use that combo again

 

[BlackRam]

The 140 gr bullets work just fine for moose, and is a great cartridge for anyone, but one I highly recommend for new shooters as it performs well and isn't punishing on the shoulder. The cup and core bullets work well on a wide variety of game at the typical 2650 fps velocity recommended for the the older surplus rifles. If you have a modern action, the newer bonded or monometal bullets up to about 2780 fps will provide the next level in performance if one is so inclined. I really like the 140 gr AccuBond, although the 130 gr AccuBond would also be a great choice.
The heavier bullets have a great reputation for penetration, but for longer shots, the lighter weight bullets are going to start out faster and shoot flatter at 400 yards.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I've hunted moose with my Swedish Mauser (didn't shoot one). I loaded it up with 156gr soft points. I'd try and find those or the 160gr pills if you can find them and keep shots within 200m.

Great sectional density on those loads.