I have to agree 243 would not be my first choice for elk, but in a pinch i dunno what id do. However, lets forget all about muzzle energy this, sectional density that, and think about the 243's on game (deer) preformance. Ive only really dropped 4 big game animals in my life. Two of those were with a 243. I have never lost or seen a deer lost when shot in the shoulder with a 243. If youve ever shot a deer with a 243 or seen somebody shoot one with it, i do not think wed be having this debate.
You Don't judge a caliber on how it performs on a good hit, rather how it performs on a bad hit.[[/
I definatly disagree, i would like to know where you came up with that. Theres no difference between a 260 in the guts and a 243 in the guts. I will agree that a 300 mag in the guts might do a little more than a 243 but no other light recoiling cartridge would do any better than a 243 in the guts. Using your logic the 243 and 260 would be exactly equal.