I've either taken or been in on the taking of around 100 elk. Of that number, I've seen 2 that were shot with a 243. Both of those elk, rag horn bulls, ended up on the game pole. But, and this is a big but, neither of the bulls were really large elk and both were perfectly shot while standing broadside in the open by people that knew how to shoot and could put the bullets where they needed to be placed. Additionally, the bullets used were Noslers so they were able to hold together and penetrate. That last part is very important because any bullet that doesn't make it to the vitals results in a wounded elk and it doesn't matter what the caliber in question is. As always, where the hole is placed is more important that how big the hole is. A gut shot with a 375 H&H is not as effective as a lung shot with a 243. Never has been and never will be.

So, will a 243 kill an elk. Yes it will as my experience listed above proves. But is it a good choice for elk? In my opinion, no. There is a world of difference between a yearling elk and a big bull in terms of both size and toughness. Additionally, not every shooting situation on elk will be on an animal standing still and broadside. Quartering to or away and moving shots are a completely different ball game so there are better cartridges readily available.

If all I had was a 243, I'd probably hunt elk with it. But I would use quality bullets and I would be very, very careful as to the shot I'd take with it and I'd get a bigger rifle as soon as I could afford it! As always, feel free to disagree.