Mac,

I have no qualms about taking them through the shoulders, especially when using a medium velocity round with either Barnes X or Nosler Partitions in rifles 30-06 or stronger.
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However,if that is where you want to shoot them, then I'd recommend a stronger cartridge than the 270 which a superb deer rifle but arguably falls.into the "just get by" category for elk.

You're right, these aren't white tail.

SearchSubjectsfor:

"270" and "puke" or
"elk" and "poll"

Most folks seem to conclude, "where there is smoke, theremust be some sort of fire." Decide for yourself.

Good Luck.