Thread: 6.5mm questions....

I really like the 6.5 caliber and have had a couple of 6.5x55. Current one is deadly (Schultz & Larsen).

My only reservation is that they are not magic. My experience is that once the distance gets out to 350 yards odd they can be slow killers. I have experienced this with Sierra, Amax and SST 140grn projectiles at circa 2.8K. They have always died, but not in an emphatic manner.

I know that it won't be other people's experience, but it is mine, that both the 7/08 and 308 seem to kill better at all ranges - I often wonder if its something to do with the smaller expanded frontal area of the 6.5? Dunno really.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I really like the 6.5 caliber and have had a couple of 6.5x55. Current one is deadly (Schultz & Larsen).

My only reservation is that they are not magic. My experience is that once the distance gets out to 350 yards odd they can be slow killers. I have experienced this with Sierra, Amax and SST 140grn projectiles at circa 2.8K. They have always died, but not in an emphatic manner.

I know that it won't be other people's experience, but it is mine, that both the 7/08 and 308 seem to kill better at all ranges - I often wonder if its something to do with the smaller expanded frontal area of the 6.5? Dunno really.

Switch to 130 Bergers, put it in the boiler room, the bergers come apart better. It's working for me in my 6.5 CM. Agree about .308, reckon it's the lower SD and bigger hole, big heavy soft pill does them in every time, and doesn't have to be travelling at silly speed to do it.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I really like the 6.5 caliber and have had a couple of 6.5x55. Current one is deadly (Schultz & Larsen).

My only reservation is that they are not magic. My experience is that once the distance gets out to 350 yards odd they can be slow killers. I have experienced this with Sierra, Amax and SST 140grn projectiles at circa 2.8K. They have always died, but not in an emphatic manner.

I know that it won't be other people's experience, but it is mine, that both the 7/08 and 308 seem to kill better at all ranges - I often wonder if its something to do with the smaller expanded frontal area of the 6.5? Dunno really.

Nathan Foster explains this in his 'Game killing Fundamentals' In short the instant kills we see are often not actually kills ( unless brain or CNS ) but instant paralysis from hydrostatic shock. The animal bleeds out whilst paralysed before we get to it. The bigger the diameter the projectile the lower the velocity required to still cause hydrostatic shock. I was surprised how quickly some rounds loose the ability to cause HS

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Nathan Foster explains this in his 'Game killing Fundamentals' In short the instant kills we see are often not actually kills ( unless brain or CNS ) but instant paralysis from hydrostatic shock. The animal bleeds out whilst paralysed before we get to it. The bigger the diameter the projectile the lower the velocity required to still cause hydrostatic shock. I was surprised how quickly some rounds loose the ability to cause HS

Interesting, does he have much evidence on this? Or is it theory based?

Originally Posted by Gibo

Interesting, does he have much evidence on this? Or is it theory based?

Not sure, but isn't that the whole point with Hydrostatic shock? Nothing dies instantly unless you smack it in the head, even then it's brain dead but the heart is still pumping for a little while? I guess making a mess inside and still having the animal move would increase bleed out?

The instant knockdown is preferable anyway and most animals that get hit that hard in the boiler room and get up don't make it far from my experience so I'm not sure if he's saying it's a good thing or bad?

Originally Posted by SlimySquirrel

Not sure, but isn't that the whole point with Hydrostatic shock? Nothing dies instantly unless you smack it in the head, even then it's brain dead but the heart is still pumping for a little while? I guess making a mess inside and still having the animal move would increase bleed out?

The instant knockdown is preferable anyway and most animals that get hit that hard in the boiler room and get up don't make it far from my experience so I'm not sure if he's saying it's a good thing or bad?

Wasn't questioning hydrostatic shock per say, more the reference to projectile diameter/velocity and its effect on HS. Just looking for evidence not opinion is all.

Same! I know you weren't questioning, I'm intrigued by the idea too.

It's often seen on Rabbits with the little 17's. First time I shot one with an Hm2 it looked like it was being electrocuted. I have a video of a large billy shot with 7mm08 at 220 yds 129 sst and it did the same. Literally just stiffened up and died. Wonder what sized/speed calibre would be required for Reds in comparison.

Originally Posted by Gibo

Interesting, does he have much evidence on this? Or is it theory based?

To answer your question @Gibo here is the link https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Kno...e+Killing.html

There is quite a lot to humane game killing, I have shot Roe deer in Saxony with a 30 06 and 180 grn pills and they all ran. Big hole plenty of damage but no instant collapse. Wonder what would have happened if I was using a 2250 or 243 with light high velocity bullets that can better shed energy.