ORIGINAL: bronko22000

You pose and interesting post and one open for a lot of debate. Most articles I've read consider the 270 win the minimal for elk. The 7-08 is similar to the 270 ballistically. In my battery I have the 270, 7-08, 30-06, 300 Win Mag and 325WSM and I wouldn't hesitate using any of them for elk. IMO however, I would limit my shots to 200 yds for the 270 and 7-08; 300 yds for the '06 and out to 400 yds for the 300 and 325.
They all would more than likely put down an elk at longer ranges but these are my limitations. I know one person who dropped an elk at 700 yds with a 300 Win but again IMO that was insane.
Out of your choices and for 'just in case', if I were you I would use the '06 with a good 180 gr load. But take the 7-08 as a back up.