I have killed elk with a 270 win, using 140 gr failsafe and 150 gr parts. I also limited my shots to 250 or under and a piece of the vitals was required...maybe not fully broadside but something in the rib. Now I never had to make a heated desicion...my elk offered me with what I wanted at a distance under 200 yards...result was 3 dead bulls with a 270 win.

Like others have stated real hunting conditions, individuals practice sessions or even ethics...are very different. If your buddy is a decent shot, willing to practice and limit his range or shot opp then he'll be fine with a prem. bullet and a 270. However if he is going to fling them at 400 yards and take marginal shots then he better go to a bigger gun that will help in busting the bones a bit. I certainly wouldn't want to rely on my 270 and a 300 yards shoulder shot on a big bull elk...hell not even one of our big mature whitetails...but I am me and know my limits. I have passed shots due to not knowing for sure, if you can do this then any caliber will do. However BJ is stating like it is, a new elk hunter(or hunter) can often not make the right decision when the opp. is presented and emotions or whatever get in the way of a rash decision...leading to poor shot animals (lack of experience not gun power).