I would go with the 270 win. I have killed elk with it and if you get the Federal Premium Barnes Triple Shock Bullet with 100 % weight retention you are going to knock down an elk. I would also get the limbsaver recoil pad if you are worried about recoil and buy the heaviest rifle you,your wife or your kids can carry. The other thing to remember is to practice practice practice! If you can put a couple of 100 rounds through the rifle on a bench in a rest like the Caldwell Lead Sled when it comes time to kill an elk the recoil will be the furthest thing from your mind

Good Luck!