No anecdotal discussion here, I've actually killed elk with the .243, and on more than one occasion.

Each shot was less than 150 yards, two of them head-on and one slightly oblique. None of the bullets exited. It was the only centerfire rifle I owned at the time.

Would I recommend it over a .30-06 (et al) for elk or caribou? No. If it were all I owned yet, would I still use it on elk? Yes.

The .243 has a love-hate relationship going with this board. It's not flashy, it's a "girl's gun", "there's a reason it's the state minimum." The posters who are most convinced tend to be those who can't relate any personal experience with a cartridge's effectiveness (I don't own a .270 or a 7mm RM, I don't have much business advising anyone one way or another how effective either of them are).

Yes, the .243 does make you think a little more about setting up your shots and about your point-of-aim. Maybe more hunters should shoot their bigger calibers like they'd have to shoot the .243?