Will the 7mm-08 kill an elk? Yes. I would consider it a 200 yard gun. I wouldn't expect good results beyond that. Considering that she is a new hunter I would say that 200 yards would be her max as well. I would be certain to inform her that she needs to limit her shots to very clean, nearly broadside oppurtunities. I wouldn't recommend any extreme angles or shots through the brush. Recoil wise the 7-08 is very similar to the 243, very light recoil. She shouldn't have a problem with it. If she does then she will either have to deal or find a new hobby because I would have to say that the 7-08 is the bare minimum of elk cartridges IMHO.