[samsmix]

No. The .257 (and the 25-06) is not a great elk rifle, but I consider it a practical minimum for this task, whereas the .243 is just too light to consider. I do know of a local man who, due to a detatched retina, cannot handle recoil, and who kills elk regularly with a .223, but he is essentially bowhunting with a rifle. He takes only CNS shots at 100yds or less.
What I was really putting the .257 forth as was a great deer rifle that would double for elk in a pinch.

I used the 120gr Nosler +P loaded by Fed for years. This was an okay load, but it never did do better than about 1.5". I always felt the gun could do better. Last year I used 100gr SP from Dick Brown Custom, a load he claims just touches 3100fps mark (pretty much max). The accuracy was awsome, and I saved about 10 bucks a box! I shot a deer with it. My wife shot 2. My friend Sean shot his first two. All went down like they were struck by lightning, but there was a pair of separated jackets. Ranges were from 75 to 420yds (No wind. Known distance. Bi-pod....Couldn't resist!)

I loved how flat this load shot, but next year I think 100gr partitions will be the bullet of choice. This load so closely matches the 100-500yard crosshairs on my wifes Burris ballistic plex scope, that she was able score 8 consecutive hits on a 9" target at 500yds. Mind you, we do NOT regularly shoot that far while hunting, but it's nice to know you can in the event you need to put down a wounded animal. If an animal is previously hit, in my book, all range limitations are off.