6.5 round for Mule Deer/Antelope??

[valerio024]

I am going to hunt Mule Deer and Antelope near Gillette, WY this fall. I have been shooting the Hornady 143gr ELD-X for the past several seasons with good luck. However, with the potential for longer shots I am wondering if it would make sense to go for a flatter round (I.e. something in the 120-130 range). Another option, I have a Leupold CDS scope but have yet to have a dial made. Should I just stick with the 143 and have a dial made for it? Thoughts?


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[Silvio]

I would keep shooting the ELD 143 round

 

[Oakridge]

I would also stay with the 143. That round is a accurate killer out of a 6.5

 

[Silvio]

I shoot the MATCH ELD 140 and it's a awesome performer that reaches out when you need it

 

[fbwguy]

Just remember energy is more important than velocity and drop! 6.5 is flat but always make sure your not out distancing your ethical kill energy. I prefer heavier bullets for hunting than punching steel.

 

[EricS]

I would stick with the 143 as well. Carry a good rangefinder, use it, and know what your bullet will be doing at whatever that distance is. If you know what your bullet is doing it doesn’t matter if one load drops two inches less than another.

 

[valerio024]

Thanks guys! I think you are all right, sticking with the 143 seems wise. It also cuts the wind significantly better which is probably more important than drop.


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[NDH]

to your other question, YES have the Leupold CDS dial made.

 

[Lacky]

I shot a .270 with 140g (functionally the same as your setup) for years with no range finder and a non-adjustable scope with a regular retical. It was fine, killed everything I shot at out to 350 yards, including elk.

I really think you guys over think this stuff. Bringing an open sited 30/30 out here wouldn't be great, but any scoped flat shooting rifle is fine.

 

[NORKALNIMROD]

The 143gr ELD-X Precision Hunter load is about as good a hunting round as you can get for the 6.5CM. I know numerous people that have taken deer and elk with it.

 

[brydan]

Thanks guys! I think you are all right, sticking with the 143 seems wise. It also cuts the wind significantly better which is probably more important than drop.

Yep. With a range finder, drop is consistent and relatively easy to account for compared to wind. Prior to range finders, high velocity flatter shooting rounds made more sense to compensate for range estimation errors

 

[valerio024]

Well guys the 143gr ELD-X did the trick at longe range...80 yards

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[fbwguy]

Best factory hunting 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo available IMHO!

 

[fbwguy]

Well guys the 143gr ELD-X did the trick at longe range...80 yards

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Congratulations on the Speed Goat

 

[Dkiss103]

Way to go! I just bought a PP for antelope in Wyoming. Hope to cash it in next year