ORIGINAL: A11en
What I find interesting is many say the .243 is too small for elk. Yet the .243 delivers more energy than a .30-30. So if you're saying the .30-30 is ok for elk, you're saying the .243 is as well.
Can they kill and elk.... sure. But they deserve more respect and a larger caliber. I'd start at a .270. But the .300 WSM is my choice for elk.
They deserve more respect???If you think they deserve more respect, drop the 300 WSM and pick up a bow. The 30-30 is an awesome gun, I love shooting them and if you're accurate with it there is no reason why you can't hunt elk with it. Hell I'd hunt elk with my 243, I'd limit my range but I could easily punch a hole in the heart with it.