RE: elk caliber??
I would say .30-06 out to 200 yards 180 gr Nosler Accubond or one of the other bullets that's designed to retail significant weight after breaking bone will get the job done.
I personally like the .300 Win Mag Tikka T3 sighted for zero at 200 yds can go out to 300 yards and possibly beyond under good conditions and well placed from well practiced marksman. Noslers I've come to like in this rifle. It got the job done at 299 yds. again this year on a nice cow Elk. The Accubond 180 gr took out the mid-shoulder bone and both lungs. She went 30-50 yards rolled over and that was it except for the hard work getting her off the mountain.