ORIGINAL: OughtSix
Ok, first off,I would never use a Ballistic Tip or a SST in a 270 WSM. Sorry, you need a tougher bullet. Wounding game because we are too lazy to do penetratuion tests is simply bad form. The very best way to figure out if the bullet you intend to use on game is going to work for you is to try it on a re-producable medium. Not on an elk. Walking out to hunt game with an untested bullet is fool's play. Trusting the word of a bullet manufacturer is simply silly. Personally, I like to use gallon milk jugs filled with water. Very easy to reproduce, cheap, and effective. Granted, when using factory ammunition we are at the mercy of the manufacturer, but when reloading we can and should be more responsible.
Most 270 bullets are designed for the 270 Winchester. This means they are designed to open up a lower velocities than the 270 WSM. Therefore, if you wish to ensure proper bullet performance you will have to use a premium bullet. Nosler Partitions, Nosler Accubond, Hornady Interbond, and so on. OR....Slow down how fast you are shooting the bullet.
Oughtsix I don't need water filled milk jugs to tell me 150 NBT fired from my 7mm rem mag will get it done on any deer sized animal b/c experience has done that already.
I have shot them as close as 30 yards without losing an animal with the majority producing 2 holes with nothing inbetween but jello. For me that is exactly whatI want my deer bullet to do when hitting behind the shoulder and will continue to fire the NBT at our large bodied deer. I understand not everyone will agree or share my feelings on this, that's why we have options.
As to the original posters question since you said elk I'd go with the Barnes TSX. Ifwilling togive on lead point the nosler partition would be another high on the list to try. If your only looking for polymer bullets take a look at the Hornady Interbond or Nosler Accubond. Of course if money is no object and want the polymertip on the barnes could always spark up some MRX's.[8D] Good Luck