I'd go with a bigger caliber with all that's riding on your hunt. Sure a perfect shot placement would bring the elk down (along with proper bullet, distance, etc..) but will you be guaranteed perfect conditions to make the perfect shot? How well do you know your rifle? How composed are you when making a shot? How composed are you when you have to make a shot in an instant? Uphill? Downhill? Your bullet drop? All these variables and more could very well be factors as you prepare to shoot.

The difference could be a 30 caliber bullet breaking the shoulder bone and dropping the animal with less than a perfect shot - or the .270 sliding off of the bone and an injured elk moving on. Only you know the answers to these questions.

My vote is with most of the other posts - get a larger caliber.

Ant