If your just going on a once in a lifetime (or not many times anyway) elk hunt, I would stick with a 30.06. You don' t need a 300 or 338 magnum to kill an elk (but they do help sometimes ) Personally, I use a 300 mag when rifle hunting for elk. I had to go out and buy better ear protection after the first trip to the range since I was flinching so bad after a few shots. When I get to go and do a late season cow hunt, I take my .270, and have never had a probem with them taking many steps after shooting. And that is my backup gun on rifle hunts too, although I' ve never needed it.

You sure can tell the difference at the end of the day between carrying a .300 mag (browning A-bolt) and a .270 (Colt Light Rifle)