Art, i wouldnt want to use a 223 on elk lol. I wouldn't even use a 243. In fact, i have no idea if the .223 would make it to the vitals before it exploded and did all that wierd stuff they do. But, that is the minimum i think you could shoot once at the vitals, and actually kill the elk without it becoming a wild goose chase. I'm pretty sure even a .22lr can kill an elk, they've been used to kill much bigger animals :P
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