Sorry about that, I must have had a few to many to drink last night during the super bowl and wasn't thinking straght. I have had success with a 30-30 and am not scared to use it again. It might not be the gun for everyone but it does work. For those that do pack around the 30 pound gun because they are scared of wounding an animal, TO EACH HIS OWN! You can still wound them just as easy. Take a 30-30 and shoot an elk through the guts and take a 375 and shoot them in the same spot. Good luck finding either of them. I was wondering do you actually shoot the animal or just beat it to death with that club. It might just be easier to roll down your window and use that as a rest.
If I had to make a choice for a good rifle for elk I would pick the 7mm. For those that feel they need bigger there is a saying for them that ends with, they're just compensating for something. In your case accuracy or the lack to get in close.
Shoot what you have confidence in!
BowElkDwn