Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Old Shoulder Friendly Elk Rifle

I have a pair of M700 243’s that have accounted for 14 elk, most of them in the hands of youngsters. All them with a 100g NPT. One at 375 yds. All the elk died quickly, one did run 80-100 yds. The rest within 20 yds or less. Two of the cows killed were big cows 500+ lbs.

The 243 with 100g NPt’s works. When I get to the point where my lightweight 270’s and 30-06 AI are too much, a 243 will most likely be my choice. Plus they’re a hoot to shoot.

If I’m getting hammered by my rifle, I’m shooting too big of a cartridge, or am using a lousy recoil pad, or using an ill fitting stock. I’ve had a couple rifles with muzzle brakes—never again.