A 22 l.r. will probably kill an elk also, that does not make it adequate. Big bullets make a big difference on a big animal, and elk are big. An animal going a couple hundred yards in some parts of the country is no big deal, but an elk going a couple hundred yards in the mountains can make a big difference. When hit they will head to the thickest, steepest area they can find. I have packed a couple out of the dark timber, it is not fun, Tom.