Not too many people like the 25-06 more than I do. And I'm a Ruger nut, too. That being said, I'd find a different cartridge to hunt elk with.
I don't even really like the idea of using a 270, either, as I don't see it as being *that* much different than a 25-06. And a .308 has heavier bullets, but not all that much 'oomph', IMO. If you like the .308 case, I'd use that as an excuse to go out and get something in the new 338 Federal.
For what it's worth, I'd start my elk cartridge list at 7 mag and go up from there (300 mag, 338 win mag, etc), although the 30-06 has taken tons of elk, too. Some of the bigger 30-06 based cartridges (338-06, 35 Whelan) are supposed to be excellent elk rounds, also.
ORIGINAL: Folically Challenged
You need to respect the game, and the sport, and yourself, and be willing to walk away from a crummy shot opportunity. When youwound and lose a 400+ bull under such circumstances, or even a cow, everyone loses. IMHO, walking away from a low-percentage shot is the highest expression of our sport.
Well said. Reminds me of watching poker - the most brilliant moves are the ones where the player lays down a monster hand because he knows it's just not good enough.