zrexpilot,

Did you read the article that CZ2506 posted??? If not heres the link again http://www.xmission.com/~fractil/math/kp.html#test It will go along way into explaining how bullet weight and diameter affect terminal performance. I am no opponent of the .243 (have killed several nice size whitetail with one) but to suggest the .243 as an elk cartridge is ridiculous...