243 for elk

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i have killed elk with a 243 when i was younger, and with a well placed shot with a premium bullet it will kill them no problem. The issue with using a small for species caliber is for insurance against the ever present possibility that your shot wont be perfect (due to lots of factors related to hunting). Personally i think it is too small for elk in most instances.

JMHO
 
I've killed a couple of elk with my 25-06, after the last one I went back to my 30-06. I believe the 25-06 and anything less is a little light for elk. Bigsky gives some pretty good reasons.
 
Shooting elk with a 243 is just the same as shooting deer with a 223. Will it work yes. Has it been done yes. I've not shot elk, but have shot deer with a 223. I would consider the area when hunting elk. If it need to be anchored on the spot,I'd rather have bigger.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogpossible-yes
ethical-?

This time, size matters!!

+1.....
 
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Is there a book or list on ethics vs. animals ? If so I'd like to see it. I'm sure I've broken the code many times....
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I agree with Tim. The word "ethics" is nothing but a nickel and dime word that equates to "let's have a pizzing contest" on the internet to determine who is more ethical and thus who can pizz farther.

Bigsky's comments are right on, IMO, without introducing any silly testosterone to the subject.
 
If you do it then use barnes TSX and keep the range short.

You could get a gun that will shoot great for so cheap these days you might aswell get a .270, 30-06, 308 or similar. Hunting is a lot of money and effort, the monster rack that gets away or you have to let walk will haunt you the rest of your life.
 
Before this turns south into a "Pizzing Contest". When I used the word ethical, I mean for me. You can do what you want. Elk in Oklahome are a little scarce. IF, you get the chance to hunt one, I, personally, would like a larger caliber so I don't have to chase him all over the country. Not that a 6mm won't do the job, I just would prefer a larger caliber as to put the elk DRT. I own several 243's and love the caliber, it just wouldn't be weapon of choice for elk.
 
No worries here...

BTW, I've been putting in for an elk tag here in Mi for 25+ years. I've yet to get a tag.
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You can bet I'll be toteing atleast .284" or bigger if I ever draw!
 
If I drew an elk tag and all I had was a .243 then I would use it. If the OP could get his hands on a bigger rifle, that would be my recommendation. Tracking an animal for miles is not my idea of a fun hunt. DRT is. JMO. Happy Hunting.
 
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Ive been wrestling with this one for a while now. I usualy get a damage tag where I work every year, and a 243 is usualy what I have in the truck. But I havnt worked up the nerve to try it yet, I just go home and grab somthing bigger.
If you had the oportunity and the conitions where right, where would you place your shot? I always second guess if the 243 has enough steam to go for the boiler room, and the neck shot isnt always fool proof.

Casey
 
The neck shot would be one of my last choices. After taking, and seeing elk taken with rifle, bow, and muzzleloader, the neck shot has not proven to be nearly as effective as say on a deer or antelope. Remember that the neck on an elk is large, with the areas to fatally wound the animal running at the top (spine) and bottom (jugular vein). I have seen elk shot in the neck with various calibers, round balls, and arrows. Few go down immediately (generally high neck shots at the base below the ear), with quite a few never to be found after the blood trail dries up. That being said, like many have discussed on so many other posts regarding "is it big enough?", how efficient are you with your .243? Knowing your gun, its limitations, where it is going to hit, etc. i.e. your comfort level, is parmount in any hunting situation. Also, dont forget to shoot a well made game hunting bullet! A well placed broadside shots at close range, and the ever risky head shot will definitely put one down. Good luck and shoot straight!
 
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I consider it just too small because of it's energy and bullet limits.
Always favored .30 caliber. My personal energy guide has been 1400 1bs for big game. This limits the effective range for .243 and also produces a much smaller wound.
The .30 cal has proven to be a winner even with neck shots, folding them on the spot.
 
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