I used to get no longer published bi monthly rag called "Colorado Hunting & Fishing". Was a very good up to date magazine with lotta local stuff pics and local stories. Having read it for about 6 yrs mtil it folded, I can assure you all that literally hundreds of elk are killed every year with a 243 by women, children, flyweights, old ladies, young ladies, heavyweights, old men. young men, and regular working folks. And that is a FACT. So do not let the many 'experts' here in the fishbowl dissuade you.

Would I do it? No. Would I recommend it? No. But if I had to do it I would use Hornady Superformance or other premium such ammo as Winchester PowerMax or the Rem Scirrocco stuff. As I recommend you should(no I don't own stock in it).

My wife and I each have our own .270 bolt action rifles which are more than sufficient for any Colorado game from Jackrabbit to elk.

Good luck on your .243 hunt. Shoot straight.