243 for elk?

[TeacherMan]

Im sure this has already been said, but a 22 will kill an elk with the correct shot placement. I have personally killed two elk with a 243 back when you could hunt elk and deer at the same time. Both times where one shot kills and the animal didnt go more than 100yds. Its not my first choice as an elk rifle but it works fine. its all about your confidence level and shot placement.

[addicted]

i  just started the class to get my yachshine and over here(in germany) the minimum bullet for an elk is 6.5 mil.  just so's ya knows. and the elk over here (aka red stag, red deer) are much smaller.

a 243 is something like 6.2 mil.

[GoldTip]

My mother in law has killed multiple elk and even a few cow moose with her 243 win.  That being said, she has the time and patience to pass up less than perfect shot opportunities.  She also has my father in law at her side with a 7mag to make up for a less than perfect shot, which to this date has yet to happen.  One of my cousins Grandpa's went to shooting a 243 back in the late 70's for everything after he had a shoulder surgery which made recoil very tough for him, I think when he passed that 243 was at like 28 or 29 elk, and he shot some studs with it as well.  Personally, I wouldn't purposely go elk hunting with a 243, but wouldn't pass up a good shot at an elk if I had a 243 in my hands.  Shot placement and confidence are key when using a caliber that is small for the purpose.  It can and does regularly get done.

[cohoho]

Been there a time or two for my son, who shoots a .243 and has killed several bears, couple Moose, and few Caribou.  All with a 243, every animal except his second Moose went down quick, but I have hit Moose with a .338 in the boiler and they stay up also and required a second round.  It is all about shot placement and knowing the limitations of range.... PERIOD.  If he has an opportunity this season for Elk, that is what he'll use also... Yea, I like a bigger gun myself 338-375, but he isn't accurate with any thing else.  And I will add to stir the pot, most people that shoot the mag calibers have a hard time being accurate...  NO- Not directed at at anyone specific, because we don't want to stir it up again... But there has been several test done at a former range I went to.  Had people shoot the lighter calibers after they witnessed them shooting their big guns, they drastically improved their aim (by feet!!!!!), when they went back to their super dee duper magnums they again couldn't hit the broad side of the barn....  Recoil is killer with some folks, if they are accurate with smaller calibers, why wouldn't they use it???

[fishing is for fools]

I have been with my dad when he has killed elk with his 243 with out problems and the last one was with his 300 and we followed it for a mile and half before getting it.    So use what you want, but know your shoot

[hunterbuilder]

I think here on the eastside with the spike only restriction the .243 is going to do better than if your looking at shooting a mature bull with a lot more meat, muscle and bone on him. The only legal elk you can shoot here are going to be some of the smallest bodies in the herd (except or the calves).  I still think you have less room for error but is very doable. Just my 

[TeacherMan]

When you are using a 243 you do have to have a little more patients. I lost a bear a few years back. They just don't have the energy to punch into that front shoulder. I got impatient and took a 1/4 towards shot and it just didn't do it. But like I posted earlier I have taken a couple elk with no problems.

[SpearitLake]

It all boils down to two things, Distance & Shot Placement. Both the .30-.30 & the .243 will dispatch Deer & Elk size game very effectively and anyone who tells you differently hasnt a clue.

[coastalghost]

Thats a bunch of bull spearit!    30-30 and 243 cant do the job effectively...nothing less that a 50 cal for me 

[addicted]

over here in germany your not aloud to hunt with a bow or a crosbow but you are aloud to hunt with a SPEAR!!

[SpearitLake]

Thats a bunch of bull spearit!    30-30 and 243 cant do the job effectively...nothing less that a 50 cal for me 

bout time you got your arse over here   Looks like late October b4 I get back to the PNW....whats your schedule look like ?