I have to laugh every time I see the 270/elk threads. You are new here, so hopefully the seasoned posters will be nice to you. I have shot two elk with my 270. While that doesn't make me an expert, I can tell you a 270 will kill an elk. I shot one with a 140 grain Partition and the other with a 140 grain Accubond. Both one shot kills at a standing still, broadside animal and at a reasonable range. But!!!!!! I am wanting a larger caliber rifle. What if next time my only shot is not a perfectly positioned elk? I would like to have a little margin for error. I bought my 270 because I knew I could handle the recoil and I was afraid of the magnums. I have since learned the recoil from 300's and even 338's can be managed. Please read my "survived the recoil"post in theGun Forum.Go to the range and pratice often with whatever you choose. Good Luck, Jim