Bob, I agree, I wouldn't choose the 243 either but many have done it successfully. As to the mine set thing, you might be giving some too much credit
1tn: I know they kill deer...elk too.
But IMHO there are better elk cartridges.
Personally I would start it at 6.5mm,which may be arbitrary but a guy has to start somewhere,and that would be my own line in the sand.
As to giving credit....I'm an optimistic guy, liking to believe that any hunter has practiced enough to be proficient with whatever he carries,a marksman wth his rifle.....which we know will make up for a lot of cartridge power.
That said,there are a lot of experienced 300 magnum shooters who can actually shoot well...I know a few.Some even post here
