The 7mm Rem Mag is an excellent round for elk. It shoots flat and hits pretty hard. I have harvested several elk using it here in Wyoming in locations ranging from the open desert to the heavy timber. I put an elk down from about 325 yards away in the desert (with a little wind of course) no problem so it is definately effective to use for farther shots as well. Don't listen to all the guys who will post after me telling you that the 7mm is okay but a 300 mag or 338 would be a lot better. The fact of the matter is the 7mm is a lot more gun than most locals who kill elk every year use.