Yes it can be done with smaller calibers and I've voiced that previously. Very basically I would say the smaller the caliber,
possibly the closer you would have to be and
definately the more precise your shot placement would have to be. Now this is well and fine if you're hunting close to home on game you can usually get to see on a fairly regular basis. As example, hunting close to home for my Deer, using a bow, if I don't see one today within my effective range and broadside to allow me to effectively 'punch' both lungs, let it pass. Quite possibly I'll see one 'tomorrow.
I think, for me anyway, the situation changes somewhat if you've saved for a guided big game Moose hunt in Alaska that's going to cost you an arm and a leg. You come across a decent 60" Bull @ 150yds quartering away offering a slightly less than perfect shot. Do you stand there with your .243 in hand and
watch it walk away or do you lift your 338 WM and take the shot??
Yes, under more
ideal conditions a .243 would quite probably put it down but I've seen a guy, that's a reasonably good shot, hit two Moose using a 99 Savage 250-3000, and lose them both!
Going a step further, if I'm after something that has the potential of being a little more 'life threatening' like Bear, especially Grizzly, where the circumstances can go from 'sugar to s**t' in short order, I want powerful fire. I don't want a smaller caliber that'll trim fur. I want something more potent that can break big bone and hopefully anchor it,
QUICKLY!I'm allergic to pain and have no inclination for suicide.
As I admitted earlier, yes, it is possible and here's two examples, that I've posted in past. Many years ago my Dad, varified by my uncle, shot Deer in an area west of Edmonton on more than one occasion, using a Cooey single shot 22LR. I could punch paper better than him but I'll never be the shot on game that he was. The picture is from the 30's and he isn't holding the Cooey.
The second example is of Mrs. Betty Wendle from the Wells Barkerville area. She was well known for her exploits and success hunting Grizzly and her ability to do it, using a '99 Savage in 22 Savage High Power. Another with skills, abilities and intestinal fortitude that I and probably a majority of others will never possess.
. And, have a couple geared toward AB and pest control use. Beyond that and as partially a reason, I like reloading and shooting so the 'numbers' of rifles and variety of calibers of rifles, shotguns and handguns, keep me occupied.
