AboutKent Staubus Expertise Nearly 30 years` experience hunting upland game, big game, and waterfowl in the Upper Midwest and many college level classes in biology. I can answer questions about hunting with rifles and shotguns, and how to hunt mule/whitetail deer, antelope, pheasants, quail, ducks, squirrels, and rabbits. I can also answer questions about outdoor clothing for cold climates. As a licensed therapist, I have helped handicapped outdoorsmen.
Expert: Kent Staubus Date: 11/4/2004 Subject: a good elk rifle
Question Dear Mr. Staubus,
My name is Steven Brock I am 17 years old and have been hunting deer for many years. This year my dad and I are planning on going elk hunting. I have a 243 mossberg model 800b. It is a sweet shooting rifle and I have taken a few nice mule deer with it. My question is will that rifle work for elk hunting, or is it to light of a rifle? thank you so much for your time.
sincerely,
Steven Brock
Answer In most states a .243 is legal for elk. However, it is the minimum caliber. I personally wouldn't consider shooting an adult bull with something like that at any range over 100 yards, and I would pick my shots very carefully at that. One of the problems with it is that it leaves a small hole, and that reduces your chance for a good blood trail. Another potential problem is that elk are usually in rugged areas, and if you shot one and it managed to run 200 yards down into a steep canyon, it would be hell getting a 1,000 pound animal back out! Last season I shot a large cow elk with a .30-06, and it dropped where it stood. While a .243 probably would have dropped it too, do note that my 180 gr. bullet did NOT go all the way through the elk, even though it was a broadside shot from only 125 yards!
My thinking is you would probably be better off with a .30-06 for this trip. The recoil is slightly more than the .243, but not nearly as much as a belted magnum. It makes a bigger hole. It has more power at longer ranges and can penetrate the massive bones and muscle of an elk better. Consider borrowing one and seeing if the recoil bothers you. If it doesn't, buy a used one, get the best scope you can afford (e.g. a Nikon 3x9,) (scope is more important than the rifle,) and practice! You can sell the rifle later and get your money back, especially if it's a used one.
