Slamfire

I suppose it would be adequate for an experienced, deliberate hunter. Someone who knows that if you want to reduce a big bull to possession, you can't just nick a lung. One who knows you can't shred elk lungs like you can deer. One who knows you'd better get the heart/aorta, or be ready for a long, high speed chase. Of course, that goes for danged near every other cartridge carried by "elk" hunters, also.

handloader1

.243 Win. for elk, NO!!!

Good luck.

deerslayer223

243 is deffinately no elk rifle. The minimum i would use is a 7mm08 and that would only be with a permium 160gr bullet and broadside shots 200yds or less!

rather_be_huntin

Definitely not an elk rifle.

TerryM

When getting the chance to kill a large and majestic animal like an elk or any game animal for that matter any person with morals would want to make the kill as quick and humane as possible. Shooting an animal with a tiny bullet is not like landing a 6 lb trout on 4lb test. Why do people think they should use a minimum or marginal round to hunt anything? Kill them quick or don't hunt!! [:@]

glob3006

.243 Win NOT perfect for Elk Sure bullets are better built these days. But we have also gotten smarter and more ethical as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also think that states such as Colorado (Where I live ) Should revise there minimum caliber requirments for game animals larger than Deer. Namely Elk and Moose.

As it reads.....Must be .24 cal.(6mm) or larger and must be at least 85 grns. w/ 1000 ft lbs. of energy @100yrds.

I just don't think that the caliber and weight are enough ( Ethicly) for the average 90% of hunters to take these animals CLEANLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill

Buglin Big Bulls

This is too funny , i think you guys scared him off ...I agree with all of you tho ...Put 'em down quick .. 338 win mag knocks 'em flat on there're butts.

And idahoelkinstructor Amen to your closing statement !!

northslope nimrod

.270 good for elk? Nope! Many of my old hunting buddies used to use the .270. Most have switched now after years of elk getting away. Will it kill the elk? YES. Will you find the elk once it dies......probably not.
.243 for elk? My cousin used one the first year he hunted elk. I think he actually killed a four point. He shot it at about 80 yards. It then...luckily...ran straight at him and he shot it in the chest and it finally dropped. I use 180 grain soft in a 30-06 and I'm STILL nervous about dropping them. Last year I shot a 6x6 through the liver at 40 yards....I then shot him in the lungs as he ran twice more. Then I shot him in the neck and he fell. Then he ran again and I shot him in the neck and he fell dead. My point...even at close range... you may not hit the perfect vital spot.....The larger calibers hopefully will give you the added "shock" to drop him. The .243 is too risky...unless you like and stick to head shots.

Wolf killer

I have avoided this topic because I disagree with the use of a 243 for elk.
I got to thinking? Maybe this thread was statred by ELKampMaster, just to stir the pot? ELKampMaster is that you?

Hiawatha

.243 perfect for elk? I dunno what your smokin but hey pass it around.