I hate to say it and face the wrath of the cannon crowd, but yes the 280 is a heck of an elk round. My hunting buddy just bagged a big bull with his Browning A-Bolt in 280. One shot. I am sure he will stay dead too. Its been a week now.
He has a Shepard scope on his.
I am also sorry about your loss. I lost a younger sister and its a tough deal.