Nitefox, here's the reason you wouldn't want to get a 270 WSM.

The 270 WSM was, besides being a good caliber on the ballistics, to reduce recoil, and to do so, the 270 WSM was given an abnormally fat case, which, on the one hand, reduces recoil, but, on the other, it reduces the magazine capacity, and when you hunt elk, you'll usually need more thanone shot, and it's better to have more bullets, because elk are very tough, and the number of bullets in it will make a difference, no matter how fast it enters in. That's why I would recommend a 7mm Rem. Mag. However, the 7mm Rem. Mag. has pretty bad recoil, so you'll have to practice with it alot so that you can get used to it, and, you can do what I do, I go to the gym and work out, and that forms muscle around the arm, and while doing so, it makes muscle around the shoulder.
Muscle will be like your god-given recoil pad.

Another thing, when you do your follow-up-shots, it's good to have a smooth action, and Savage rifles, are known for having rough actions, which are harder to operate. A Remington actionwould be better, I frankly don't know about Ruger, but I've heard they're good rifles.

Just my 2 cents.