I have read through this entire thread and I agree there may be better cartiges for deer but, the .243 win does the job.

I originally purchased a .243 win Savage Model 11 - 6 x 18 power Leopold scope with harris bipod for coyotes - Worked great - I can't use a rifle for deer in NY - Shotgun only but I started hunting in PA were I can use it and I haven't lost a deer yet and some run about 50 yrds but I haven't lost one or had one go any further than that.

My uncle Gary - lives in ID and used to be a hunting guide. Uses a .243 for just about everything besides bear. He prefers his bow over any rifle now though and seldom hunts with a rifle - Just got a Mt Goat with his bow this past season and a Mt Lion a couple of seasons ago with his bow -

I went with him on an antelope hunt once and saw him pull up and drop one in its tract at a little over 500 yrds so I have a real problem with anyone saying that its not enough gun for medium sized game - Maybe a little light for Elk but my uncle also has quite a few elk under his belt taken with a .243 - and his daught started out hunting when she was 12 and has always used the .243 for everything. She gets her deer, elk, and antelope every year so I guess actions or should I say RESULTS speak louder than words.

Within 200 yards, the 243 is a decent elk rifle.....95gr nosler....no problem.....how much '/lbs energy you want.....100 megaton nuke??? this thread is rediculous. I read every single post and am addled....as usual. 90% of all deer/elk are killed less than 200 yards....so what's the big deal?? Put the bullet where it's supposed to go and a 220 Swiift is fine. Of course in this day in age, all the macho types want a 600 Gibbs nitro express.....whatever. Regards, Bluestar......had some laughs with this one.

48th, you kill alot of elk with a 243?

Heres a read on Chuck Hawks caliber choices. Note .243 is in there.
oh, even says its good for black bear.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/deer_rifle.htm

What I dont get is some of you say the .243 is the very minimum for deer and say its really not that good, but most state laws say it's the minimum caliber for elk.

48thguns

Are you KIDDING elk with a 243. What a joke.Head shoot them? I sure hope you hunt with a better cal than that to elk hunt.

A buddy of mine goes out west ever year and get his elk never more than two shots. what gun a .243 he said he would not hunt with anything else the past 6 years as the saying goes one shot one kill

So which is it? Never more than 2, or one shot one kill?

Wow, if its on the internet, it must be true.

He must use a guid with a good hay stack. Dose he feed the elk by hand befor he picks what one he would like to shoot?