.243 or 30-30 for elk

[BULLBLASTER]

243 is a superior choice over a 30-30 for elk IMO.

 

Only way I'd choose a 30-30 with mono's would be if I had to because they were holding the 243 loaded with Berger's against my head.

you arent wrong.

[Alchase]

I love the .243 as a caliber for youths and beginning hunters, even as a multi-use caliber!
Even if you do not reload, there are tons of decent .243 bullets available at most places you would expect to find ammo. Both my boys shot .243s (though one is a .243 WSSM) with great results.
One other caliber I would take a close look at is the 7MM-08, also a fantastic round.
Not as available as the .243, but certainly attainable.

I have a great historical respect for the 30-30. I knew a few old timers who shot it very well. And a 30-30 still would make a decent farm or truck gun. But even there, ARs have taken over those jobs and ran with it.

[big wood]

My 2 cents, .280 remmington. High BC bullets, and you can start her out with a dumb down load like 2800 Fps

[yakimanoob]

I'd go with the rifle she's used to hunt already. People can wax philosophic all day on which cartridge is "better," but folks have been killing elk with both for ages and any cartridge-based differences in lethality are easily eclipsed by the confidence that comes from being familiar with the weapon.

Have fun!

[OutHouse]

Wish I had known more about the .243. I may have picked that over the .270 I bought a few years ago. I've shot both and they are very similar almost like one came from the other when they were developed.

Stay with the .243!   

[Crowfeather]

.243 is a fantastic round, and I wouldn't have a problem shooting it for anything shy of a grizz. With appropriate rounds. That little caliber is capable of a ton of damage. She can grow up and use that rifle forever.

You didn't ask for other calibers, but, I'm an absolute recoil weenie. I despise recoil. I have to say, between my .243 and my 6.5 CM in nearly identical rifles, I think the 6.5 is softer recoil and you get some more power from it. I'd describe the .243 as a "kick" and the 6.5 as a " hard push". The force feels the same, but the impact feels different. Hard to explain. I'd recommend it for another option.

[hunter399]

I'd take 243 over 30-30.

[Bob33]

The original post answered it for me.

"She has been using a .243 and got her first deer last year."

Familiarity with and confidence in a firearm is more important than which of these two calibers to select.

[Call em in]

For the people who have and enjoy a 243…favorite load?

[BeerBugler]

.243 absolutely, not just vs 30-30 but vs. most cartridges. In a factory twist something in the 95 range, in a fast twist 108’s. Best I could do in a factory 1-9.25 twist is 95 Berger. Insane amount of damage from a 6mm with the right bullet (Berger/ELD-M). I would stay away from those monos in a .243. I’m not arguing their ability to penetrate but you will not get the damage that you will from the above mentioned bullets. good luck and enjoy shooting the .243!

[Taco280AI]

A light weight, thin jacket, target bullet on elk? Maybe if you're very picky about shot angles.

[BeerBugler]

A light weight, thin jacket, target bullet on elk? Maybe if you're very picky about shot angles.

How much penetration do you feel is necessary on an elk? What makes a bullet a “target” bullet?

[Taco280AI]

"ELD® Match (Extremely Low Drag Match) bullets are technologically advanced, enhanced accuracy TARGET bullets"

[BeerBugler]

"ELD® Match (Extremely Low Drag Match) bullets are technologically advanced, enhanced accuracy TARGET bullets"

So for you, reality is what a marketing team tells you. If that’s how you feel, the eld-x is available in a 103. Two things can be true at once, a bullet can be inherently accurate and capable of superior tissue damage. Shoot whatever you’re confident with. Personally, I’m confident with things I’ve seen work. Give those heavy for caliber “target” bullets a try, see what you think.

[hunter399]

"ELD® Match (Extremely Low Drag Match) bullets are technologically advanced, enhanced accuracy TARGET bullets"

So for you, reality is what a marketing team tells you. If that’s how you feel, the eld-x is available in a 103. Two things can be true at once, a bullet can be inherently accurate and capable of superior tissue damage. Shoot whatever you’re confident with. Personally, I’m confident with things I’ve seen work. Give those heavy for caliber “target” bullets a try, see what you think.

Shot a bear and a cougar 2022 with the 103 grain eldx .
No tracking,dumped both in there tracks.
A little bang flop,maybe a leg kicker.
Probably placed shot , they'll get the job done.

The eldm is a match target bullet.
I think construction,lead hardness ,and other factors are basically the same as eldx ,BC is tiny bit better on the match.
Pretty much same bullet.