In Colorado, the minimum elk caliber is .243 with an 85 gr. softnose. This caliber restriction was promulgated by the game wardens in the field, who see more elk killed in a year than most of us would see in two lifetimes. They also do not allow .22 CF rifles to be used for deer or antelope, but will allow the .243 bullet weight to drop to 70 grains minimum for these smaller animals.

Let's just end this thread with "its on the light side, but it will work". [8D]