If youare a decent hunter and can shoot your rifle or pistol well, anything from the 6.5x55 on up is a good elk rifle. I have used the 35 Remington, 44 Mag, 50 cal Muzzle loader, 260, 270 30-06, 45-70. 30-40 Krag and a few others for elk and moose hunting. Use a rifle that you shoot well and use common sense and you will be eating well.