RE: purchased youth Elk rifle
First of all, no matter what brand you get, go with a 180 gr bullet. I highly recommend a premium round like the Federal Premium Vital-Shok with Nosler 180gr bullets. Stay away from the Core Lok's, they just don't open (mushroom) fast enough. Pass through with little damage.
Then frop down to 150 or so for deer/antelope/bear, etc. Go to the range and get real familiar with it at 200+ yards too! (For elk especially). I got a 7mm-08 for my 12 tear old son and even though he took down a cow with one shot, I still kind of regret not getting him the .308.