Chap: In my gun, 5744 does better with the lighter bullets (250grains). That works wonderfully for me since I only hunt deer and recoil is very manageable. But your are after elk and want to shoot 300grain bullets. I concur with the Red Lion. Experiment with different powders, IMR 4759 and vihtavouri N 110. I wouldn't use a non Savage recommended powder myself. There are plenty who do, however.