Within 200 yards, the 243 is a decent elk rifle.....95gr nosler....no problem.....how much '/lbs energy you want.....100 megaton nuke??? this thread is rediculous. I read every single post and am addled....as usual. 90% of all deer/elk are killed less than 200 yards....so what's the big deal?? Put the bullet where it's supposed to go and a 220 Swiift is fine. Of course in this day in age, all the macho types want a 600 Gibbs nitro express.....whatever. Regards, Bluestar......had some laughs with this one.