If leaving human frailties out of the equation and going for the " best round for elk" , then on balance I' d vote for the 338WinMag with bullets of Partition quality or better (Swifts, Barnes, FailSafes). Easy recoiling, fast, flat, and has a heavy (and wide) bullet with the ability to break both shoulders on an elk without shying away from the job. Ammo is readily available and and it is time proven --- a " no excuses" cartridge for " bigger than deer" sized game.
Never Go Undergunned,
EKM
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Never Go Undergunned, Always Check The Sight In, Perform At Showtime!
Good judgment comes from bad experience! Learn from the mistakes of others; you' ll never live long enough to make them all yourself!
I shoot a .223 Remington better than any other cartridge. So by yer logic, that' s the best elk round for me? And does that relieve me of all responsibility to practice since I don' t have to practice to shoot that round well? Yall are too simple-minded. Elk are big critters with a particularly strong attachment to stayin' outta yer freezer. Minimum energy levels and penetration are merited. So is a ethical commitment to practicing to become proficient with such minimal cartridges or whatever you choose to tote.
__________________ "When one finally arrives at the point where schedules are forgotten, and becomes immersed in ancient rhythms, one begins to live." (Sigurd F. Olson)
I would have to say that with todays bullet technology' s I fill a .264 diameter 140 grain is a bare minimum, and a 7mm 160 grain a better choice. If your shots are no more than 300 yards. This is just my opinion. I have not hunted elk, but I have killed some very tough boars and their hide and gristle plate is legendary for stopping sub-par bullets.
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Aim Straight,
NBH
" If guns cause crime......mine are defective" ----Ted
Nugent
" Fast is fine......accurate is final "
NRA Life Member
Elk round?
