243 on elk
08-30-2006, 09:26 PM
#51
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 781
RE: 243 on elk
I'd recommend the biggest rifle cartridge you are comfy shooting for elk. Then match one to the range you'll be shooting. My choices would be 30-06 for inside 200yds and 300 win mag for 200+yds. It's not a caribou. Elk are tough buggers. Tougher than some guys on here are giving them credit for.
09-08-2006, 06:20 PM
#53
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MN USA
Posts: 1,392
RE: 243 on elk
For the talk about shooting big holes through deer and hogs in TX, from what I know, deer in TX and other hot places are relatively small. That's smaller bones and body mass. While hogs aren't much different.
Elk are very large, large heavy boned, rugged animals. Even with a much heavier caliber and good bullet placement, there is no guarantee the animal won't keep running like nothing hit it. Some calibers and heavy loads like .300 WM, .338, and other calibers with ammunition with the power and a slug with characteristics that can penetrate, break and go through the heavy body of an Elk's boned (e.g. shoulders) bring them down sooner, with a good placement. But imo .243 doesn't meet those standards. Sure it's been used to kill Elk and probably a number of other animals that it's not designed for.
I think from the majority of reactions you've seen posted, it's best to leave the .243 for shooting coyotes and smaller animals. For deer maybe. For Elk, no.
Elk are very large, large heavy boned, rugged animals. Even with a much heavier caliber and good bullet placement, there is no guarantee the animal won't keep running like nothing hit it. Some calibers and heavy loads like .300 WM, .338, and other calibers with ammunition with the power and a slug with characteristics that can penetrate, break and go through the heavy body of an Elk's boned (e.g. shoulders) bring them down sooner, with a good placement. But imo .243 doesn't meet those standards. Sure it's been used to kill Elk and probably a number of other animals that it's not designed for.
I think from the majority of reactions you've seen posted, it's best to leave the .243 for shooting coyotes and smaller animals. For deer maybe. For Elk, no.
09-08-2006, 08:41 PM
#55
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bar Harbor ME USA
Posts: 443
RE: 243 on elk
First off I have no experience with elk!!! If were me I'd keep the .243 as you have a year to get ready and get the same Savage model in a larger chambering ( I'd go .30 -06 or larger not the .308 win) It's available all the way to .300 win mag this way you'll expand your collection and be more confident with your shot. It's much esier to hit your mark when you aren't worried about the what ifs. Have a good hunt.
I'm only stating another cartridge because you said your were now looking to get a bigger one.
I'm only stating another cartridge because you said your were now looking to get a bigger one.
09-28-2006, 09:59 PM
#57
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: 243 on elk
Barnes Manual shows the X bullet suitable for Elk./ Is the 243 Legal where you hunt? If so. I guess its up to you. Its darn sure been done before as itr is the legal minumum in most states. Would the DNR lead you astray?
I would choose the 25-06 as the very minumum and would prefer the 260 and up.
I would choose the 25-06 as the very minumum and would prefer the 260 and up.
06-02-2008, 01:56 PM
#60
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 6,471
RE: 243 on elk
I know a registered COoutfitter that started his personal hunting career using a 243 on everythingincluding ELK and then worked up to a 270 and now uses a 300 win mag. DO you think that maybe he was finally getting the message with experience he gathered?