I discuss all of the 6.5mm SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy CIP rounds) in this episode. As always, I'll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I'll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well.

Cartridges covered: 6.5x52mm Carcano, 6.5×55 Swede, 6.5x57mm, 6.5x50mm Japanese, 6.5x54MS, 6.5-06, 264 Winchester Magnum, 6.5mm Remington Magnum, 260 Remington, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5-300 Weatherby, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Weatherby RPM

Sponsor: Support me on Patreon to see the terminal ballistics analysis of the Kennedy assassination (which involved one of these rounds discussed in this episode) conducted by an experienced trauma surgeon. Supporters also receive access to my other bonus material.

The Third Bullet by Stephen Hunter

Rifle Cartridges For The Hunter by Richard Mann

Episode 172: 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag For Elk Hunting

Episode 282: 6.5 Creedmoor For Grizzly Bear?!

Episode 366: Modern Cartridge Design With John Snow

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson

Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: 7mm Cartridge Roll-Up

Episode 345: The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges: 303 British, 7.x62x54R, etc.

Episode 358: 35 Caliber Cartridge Roll Up

Today, Rob Massa from the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company in Wyoming joins me on the show to discuss some observations he has made on what cartridges and bullets work and don't work from over 20 years outfitting elk hunts in Wyoming. I first met Rob while attending an event at the Bergara long range shooting Academy in 2024 and I was incredibly impressed both with his knowledge of shooting and hunting as well with the professionalism he ran the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company with. With that in mind, I decided to bring him on the show to discuss some insights he has developed over the course of over 20 years in this business on effective elk hunting cartridges and bullets.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

Email me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you're interested in joining me on the Big Game Hunting Podcast antelope hunt 9-14 October 2026 in Wyoming.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with elk outfitter Rob Massa to discuss his favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting elk.

Rob shares a few stories of effective terminal performance on elk, how tough elk are to kill, his favorite shot placement on elk, how things have changed with the most popular cartridges and bullets for elk hunting over the course of his career, and much more.

His takeaway? There are lots of things that will work on elk, but certain cartridges and bullets tend to deliver a mix of performance that delivers the best overall performance.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 396: Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt – YouTube video referenced in podcast

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

I just made it home from an outstanding elk hunt in Wyoming! Despite some unique struggles, I had an amazing trip and I successfully took a beautiful bull elk. Today's episode is a detailed recap of this hunt, evaluations of some gear I used, and some of the lessons we learned along the way. I also share two exciting announcements near the end.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses his recent elk hunt in Wyoming.

He shares the story of this exciting hunt, an analysis of the gear he used, and also has two special announcements at the end.

His takeaway? John hunted with an outstanding outfitter in Wyoming that surpassed all expectations. Despite some initial struggles, John ended up making an excellent shot and tagging a great bull to wrap up an fantastic hunt.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

See photos showing the terminal performance of those 175gr Speer Imapct bullets on this elk in my latest Patreon post.

Follow me on Instagram (@thebiggamehunter_) to see photos of this elk

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

Get a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope Here

Get an Ultimate Firearm Sling here

Ep 114: 2020 New Mexico Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 337: I just punched my moose tag! – Episode referenced in podcast