308....

Great Target Round.

Great Deer Round.

.... and exactly like you said in your post, " used for elk in a pinch."

I think you already understand the trade offs. Good job!

If you go for elk, then handloader1 offers some good advice.

Assuming you don' t already own a 270 or 30-06, then go for it and good luck!

Never Go Undergunned,
EKM