RE: .270 for elk
The 270 will work and has worked,no bones about it.I have seen it fail and seen it succeed.Shot place dose matter alot on elk,they have a heavy boned front shoulder,strong legs and mass of muscle.There is no other animal in the lower 48 that has more will to survive when shot,or hit bad regardless of caliber.
If you were buying "A just elk rifle" I would lean to a heavy caliber.I have used maycalibers to take elk,includng the 270 win.
My go to rifle for elk anymore is a .300 Win mag,just cause it fits nice and carries well.My all time favorite is the .338 win Mag.When in a clutch situation,when the season is long and there is a full count and two outs my .300 RUM steps up.
BBJ