RE: 7mm-08 for elk.
7mm-08 will work fine. Years ago a female in our elk camp took several elk with the cartridge. I myself carried a TC Encore 15" 7mm-08 Handgun for elk. Use a 140gr. or heavierbullet and put it in the boiler room and you should do just fine. The advantage of the 308win. is you can shoot a heavier bullet.