Heck, if you can bowhunt elk from 40 yrds away then why can't you shoot an elk with a 30-30 with 170's? Is this best prefered elk rifle? No Its Not. But every hunter has a 30-30 thrown in the back some where and if you happen to be lucky enough to stumble upon a nice bull up to 100 yrds away, then why not. If your a stalker than go for it.