But it sure is funny watching you all wish that you could just come out and say that. C'mon, just do it and get it over with.

There are very few people I hunt with who I would say are good enough to use a .243 on an elk. Some of them can't even seem to consistently kill a deer with one shot from a .270 either. The .270 is a fine elk cartridge, but in their hands I wouldn't recommend IT for elk, either. And if they can't shoot a .270 well, I'll put money on their not being able to shoot a .300 or .338 any better.

I consider myself fortunate to have cut my teeth on a .243. No question, it's light. But I owe my proficiency with much heavier chamberings to my early days with the .243. It demands marksmanship, and it doesn't forgive bad hits on game. It's not for everyone. It's obviously not for you. But, you might exercise some caution if you're using what the rifle or cartridge looks like - rather than what the rifle or cartridge does - as the measure of the hunter's skill or effectiveness. Ultimately, it's the hunter that makes the difference - no matter what it is they're shooting.