Quick Answer
The 6.5 Gibbs is an effective cartridge for elk hunting in the snow due to its flat trajectory, high ballistic coefficient, and manageable recoil. It's particularly well-suited for shots at longer ranges. When paired with the right bullet and rifle, the 6.5 Gibbs can excel in snowy conditions.
Cartridge Characteristics
The 6.5 Gibbs is essentially a .30-06 chambered in 6.5mm, utilizing the same case dimensions. This cartridge offers a higher ballistic coefficient than the 6.5 Creedmoor, making it a great choice for longer shots. A .264" 130-grain bullet, for instance, has a G7 BC of 0.545, while a .264" 140-grain bullet has a G7 BC of 0.529.
Reloading Considerations
When reloading the 6.5 Gibbs, you’ll need to use a .30-06-sized case and load it to a maximum pressure of 65,000 PSI. This will provide sufficient velocity for elk hunting while minimizing the risk of case failure. A good starting point for a 130-grain bullet is 2,900 to 3,000 FPS, which translates to a kinetic energy of 1,700 to 1,800 ft-lbs.
Field Performance
In the field, the 6.5 Gibbs excels due to its flat trajectory and manageable recoil. At 500 yards, a .264" 130-grain bullet will drop only 23.5 inches, making it an ideal choice for shots beyond 400 yards. By taking into account the wind and bullet drop, you can effectively harvest elk in snowy conditions using the 6.5 Gibbs.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.