For the sake of the generic topic in this thread (i.e. whether the .270 is an "elk whacker&quot, here are my own two cents.

No doubt, many elk have been killed with this caliber every year since the 1920's. No doubt, also, that a lot of guys never found it lacking for this purpose. After all, the .270 is also one of the most popular numbers for African plains game ~ which are a notoriously tough bunch of critters.

Having said all this, I would never take a .270 out for elk, because there are other cartridges that would give me a lot more confidence for the job.

The main parameters I use to match up a caliber with game are 1) penetration and 2) shootability. Although I know that a good, controlled-expansion 150-grainer from a .270 may have good penetration, I tend to prefer bullets with a sectional density of .300 or higher. That's just me ~ sectional density is my thing.

I live back east, and to me an elk hunt is a big deal ~ a highly-coveted, expensive proposition that I'm lucky if I can embark upon every other year. Last thing I want, is to have to pass up a difficult shot (like the proverbial raking shot) on a potential trophy because I have a light bullet. No way. Not if there are so many other calibers and bullets that are equally shootable and can give me more confidence ~ i.e. penetration and frontal area.

For my money, I'd rather take a 30-06 loaded with 200-grainers or a non-magnum 7mm (of any persuasion) loaded with 175's. Even Murphy himself would be unable to make me pass up a shot from any angle if armed with either one of these. Range? I am religious about not taking shots beyond 250 yards, so it doesn't really matter how "flat" a cartridge shoots.

I have a heavyish .375 H&H that I consider pretty much ideal for elk. Loaded with 300-gr Winchester Fail Safe (pushed at about 2550 f/s) it has never let me down. It's accurate, shootable (in spite of the large caliber) and it gives me confidence.

If you like the various 7mm Magnums and .300 Magnums (or the splendid .338 Win), I can't think of any MUCH better choices. However, not everyone can shoot them well ~ I for one find their recoil and pyrotechnics somewhat unpleasant, so I tend to stay clear of them (recoil from a .375 is a lot slower, although deeper).

A great elk number is the .35 Whelen and also the .338-06, similar in performance to my "beloved" .333 Nitro and not as hard-kicking as the .338 Win Mag. I don't own rifles for either of these two calibers, but I would not hesitate to take them out for elk if I did.

Great topic!

Tom