The overwhelming opinion of decades of hunters and outfitters suggests something larger than a 243 is appropriate. I doubt they are all bad shots or have magnumitis. If you can shoot a 243 and kill elk it's your decision, but it's bad advice. It is also bad advice to suggest a cartridge with recoil that the shooter can't tolerate.
As far as minium I could say 22 LR because I could have certainly killed several with one over the years, but it would be beyond foolish to take one elk hunting.
As far as minium I could say 22 LR because I could have certainly killed several with one over the years, but it would be beyond foolish to take one elk hunting.