Stubble, CWB, and Anthony.... valid responses all...

It is a classic case of why qualifying such questionsto limit responses to "those who have actually hunted the quarry" is a good idea....

Otherwise the peanut gallery factor just tends to get totally out into left field....
Sometimes happens anyway.

Addressing the "....You guys have never used a .243 on elk but have an opinon on it...."complaint a step further....

I know 270's,
One 270 is an old friend of mine,
243, sir, you are no 270....
(and IMHO, a 270 isn't even very good elk medicene at that)

Similarly,one doesnot need to "actually try a 243 on elk"to know it is bad juju for that purpose....
Similarly,one doesnot need to "actually try a 223 on elk"to know it is bad juju for that purpose....
Similarly,one doesnot need to "actually try a 22LR on elk"to know it is bad juju for that purpose....
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I do have a 6mm that is set up as a respectable p-dog riflethough.