243 for Moose/Elk

It seems like a common theme for people to want to use a cartridge for game that is borderline or too light.... Just to prove they can.
Get the right equipment for the job that is a recommended caliber.
6.5x55 or .270 for moose is the reccomended minimum in my opinion.
And, when I do use my .270 for moose I select federal premium 150gr ammunition to be sure the animal will go down as quickly as possible.
Some will disagree but most will agree.
The best moose rifles are chambered in .308, 30-06, 7mm, or .300 win mag.
 
...no such thing as borderline

...it's just how you choose to call your shots

...if you want a raking shot then no... .375 h&h is best on this continent with a good bullit (done it myself)

...if you can wait until the right time then a .22 mag is enuf (local ukranian, now dead)

...anything in between is up to you

...nuf said
 
I thought we were gun nutz, isn't taking holidays & spending the money to go hunting enough to justify the money on a new larger caliber rifle that you'll enjoy for many years of big game hunting. Yes a 243 will kill a moose but there are better calibers that may offer more shooting opportunities.
Good luck on your hunt.
 
Ok but just to be clear on your statment
the the 264 and the 270 both have flatter trajectory , higher sectional density and are proven to penitrate deeper
than the 308 and the 3006 both of which are slugs.
I own all of the above calibers in some pretty hi end rifles and its my 264 or my
284 that are my go to guns all 3 of my 30 cal's suck
 
I own a couple of .243's, but I have never shot an elk with one.
But, if I ever win an elk draw (about as much chance as winning the 649 here) .. I'd choose my .308

Could someone kill an elk with a .243 ?? .. I do not doubt it ..
.. if he got real close, used the right bullet, and if he placed it perfectly

Would I take the shot, and risking wounding an animal ? ... Never.

My advice: .. Know your limitations. It's part of being a responsible outdoorsman.


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nw mb said:
...if you can wait until the right time then a .22 mag is enuf (local ukranian, now dead)
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I've been close enough to a few moose that they could have easily been killed with a .22 mag, but I would never count on that happening on any given day. Tags are hard to come by, moose are hard to come by this year, and I wouldn't want to pass up what might be my only opportunity just because the moose was quartering, trotting, had intervening brush, or what have you. Why limit yourself?
 
Dogleg said:
You don't get extra points, or a special prize, or a statue built in your honor for using the smallest legal caliber. It doesn't make you a better person. What's the fascination? "Mines smaller" is just another kind of "Mines bigger".
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I agree..... .23 caliber what? :nest:

OP- yes you can kill moose and elk with a .243, its just more challenging than if you use larger calibers/bullets. If you have options, use them. If you don't then at least you are legal, but why ask for our advice then?
 
crash60 said:
Looking for advice from you seasoned hunters about is the 243 effect on moose and elk? Your thoughts and experiences. My plan is to use the 100 gr SP
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Pick a strong bonded bullet like the ones mentioned in post #4 and be sure to hit the boiler room. IMO it will kill them just fine if you make a good shot, but it is hardly ideal. If you have the option to use a larger caliber, do it, it is a wiser choice.
 
I think the reason most hunters chose a lighter caliber like 342 is due to the lightness aspect: lighter kick, lighter carry, etc. Nothing wrong with light if you fit that profile and those are your priorities.
A lot of comments on this thread from your average burly hunters who don't justify the trade up/down to a light caliber like the 243. But say your a 110 lbs (or maybe less) gal and just don't want to get blown over after squeezing that shot but still love the reward of the hunting and shooting. Then if you shoot the best premium ammo and keep the game close and easy the nothing wrong with 243. I've actually taken some decent sized Wildebeest and plains game with 243. I know it isn't my first choice but I ain't in that size demographic. So my advise is use the best ammo like Barnes or Premium Federal get close broadside and you'll do great!
 
I know of one person who has killed two moose with a lighter gun then a 243. I also know someone who hunted moose with a 243 and in his experience he felt that it was too light for moose. If it was all I had - And needed the meat, I would use the 243 but would want to be within 100 yards or so. I would also use a heavy bullet for caliber like 100 grains. A 243 WSSM is around 100 t0 150 fps second faster then a 243 and adds a bit more pop per shot. I would lean towards a 270. 280, 7MRM, 30-06 or 300 WSM or WinMag. Lots of possibilities but I want the animal down as quickly and as humanly possible.
 
I've shot lots of game with a 243. with handloaded Nosler 90 Grain Accubonds and awhile back the Nosler BT's @ 95 Grain. running (chronoed at 3400+fps 5 ft from muzzle)

I havent shot a Elk but I'f I was using my 243 for Whitetail and a Elk stepped out and i had my tags I probably would put one through the lungs without much fear.

I've shot Animals with 243 / 303 / 308 and 45-70 and to be honest the deer i shot with the 243 have walked the least distance before falling down infact most even the big muleys i shot went down like lightning struck em.

That said A shoulder shot probably wouldn't be smart but when is a shoulder shot smart to begin with? Also the 243 for me atleast has always caused the most meat shock and waste thats one reason i stopped using it as it was ruining alot of meat compared to even my 308 if it even touched the shoulder most of it would be a mess around the spot.

If your great with your 243 and keep your shots within under 200 yards then it should do the job with any broadside shot the bullets usually spread on impact to quite a decent sized lump and just dump energy.

I wouldn't buy a 243 for Moose or Elk. but if thats all you have at the time then just make sure you have a bonded bullet with a good shot placement.

I would never recommend anyone shooting anything larger then a muley with one of the Nosler BT's as they tend to blow up which is why i stopped using them.

When people ask me now what to shoot i just say 308 or 30-06 as you can shoot fair distances and large game without huge worries of whether its enough bullet.

Lots of people swear 338 or 375h&H and larger and imho they are just plain out of touch with most other hunters. Not everyone enjoys getting nailed with recoil every time they shoot.

Being someone that regularly shoots a 45-70 @ 1800+fps with 405Grn hardcasts When ever i offer someone to shoot my 45-70 they hate it because it kicks to much and want something lighter.

Those same people however love the 243 R700 which do you think they would shoot more accurately?
 
leonard said:
I've shot lots of game with a 243. with handloaded Nosler 90 Grain Accubonds and awhile back the Nosler BT's @ 95 Grain. running (chronoed at 3400+fps 5 ft from muzzle)

I havent shot a Elk but I'f I was using my 243 for Whitetail and a Elk stepped out and i had my tags I probably would put one through the lungs without much fear.

I've shot Animals with 243 / 303 / 308 and 45-70 and to be honest the deer i shot with the 243 have walked the least distance before falling down infact most even the big muleys i shot went down like lightning struck em.

That said A shoulder shot probably wouldn't be smart but when is a shoulder shot smart to begin with? Also the 243 for me atleast has always caused the most meat shock and waste thats one reason i stopped using it as it was ruining alot of meat compared to even my 308 if it even touched the shoulder most of it would be a mess around the spot.

If your great with your 243 and keep your shots within under 200 yards then it should do the job with any broadside shot the bullets usually spread on impact to quite a decent sized lump and just dump energy.

I wouldn't buy a 243 for Moose or Elk. but if thats all you have at the time then just make sure you have a bonded bullet with a good shot placement.

I would never recommend anyone shooting anything larger then a muley with one of the Nosler BT's as they tend to blow up which is why i stopped using them.

When people ask me now what to shoot i just say 308 or 30-06 as you can shoot fair distances and large game without huge worries of whether its enough bullet.

Lots of people swear 338 or 375h&H and larger and imho they are just plain out of touch with most other hunters. Not everyone enjoys getting nailed with recoil every time they shoot.

Being someone that regularly shoots a 45-70 @ 1800+fps with 405Grn hardcasts When ever i offer someone to shoot my 45-70 they hate it because it kicks to much and want something lighter.

Those same people however love the 243 R700 which do you think they would shoot more accurately?
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3400 with a 95 grain BT?
 
A .243 for moose and elk, like a .223 for deer, is doable, but marginal IMO. If you have to ask here, you're unsure of your skills and the capabilities of the cartridge, and therefore I recommend you not use it.
 
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