Dadgummit. This thread got me wanting a .243.
I had one and it just kept going through my mind, "If on some chance, Mr. Big steps out, would it be enough?"
Mr. Big never steps out for me, but I went to .308 not too long after.

i have shot several different 308's for years. but with my arthritis, it just kills my shoulder.
took it out several weeks ago, it hurt so bad, i could not hit a pie plate at 50 yds.

Check this out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18

That's pretty impressive

i would have found that hard to believe if i had not seen it, especially at that distance.

Dayum!

Notice on that shot however that she is shooting a 105 VLD,a very efficient bullet with a high BC. You would likely need a faster than most factory twist to shoot them well. It does however speak the the importance of a good bullet and proper placement over just raw weight and speed.

Weight and speed are important but shot placement trumps them for anyone who might not shoot a heavy recoil rifle as well as one easier on the shoulder.Deer and ever Elk just aren't armor plated, and it's a fairly new concept perpetuated by couch commandos that it takes at least a 300 Win. Mag to hunt them effectively.A 30/30 has likely killed more deer and elk than any other caliber. By all means shoot a heavy caliber if you want and can,just don't think that you have to.

30-30 will kill any thing in North America you will encounter as long as range is limited to 150-200 yds. Moose and elk I'd keep it under 100.

Ive had good luck with the 95gr hornady sst.

Same.

I shoot the tikka as well and although I haven't found a bullet the gun dislikes (Core-Lokt, Fusions, Hornady SST), it seems to like the Hornady best. Don't get into the shoulder if you want a pass through, though.

Maybe Brent M will come along and post some of his 85gr TTSX kills. It's impressive to say the least.

80 grain. My rifle wouldn't shoot the 85's worth a flip. The 80 grainers will cut one in half though.

The 95 grain Winchester ballistic tip has been bomb proof for my family over the years. From 50-350 it is deadly. I'm sure there are better bullets out there, but those Winchesters have been around for a while for good reason.

My son's Axis youth model loves the winchester power point ammo 100gr. It will shoot 3 shots touching at 100 yards