Shot placement is more critical with the smaller calibers. There are many better choices with low recoil than the 243 for elk. Many things are legal in the world, but doesn't mean it's correct, or right. 7mm-08 and 308 would be better choices for larger game with better bullets for the job, and still little recoil. If you hunt deer and varmints/small game and want one rifle to do it all, the 243 is great. If you want to hunt bigger critters, give them a little more respect and get a rifle more suited to the job.