" pick your shots wisely and know when to pass on a shot."

Everyone should use what they want to and feel comfortable with. After all, there are guys that only shoot critters with a bow, and you really have to pick your shots and pass on many with a bow.

And there is also nobody here that will deny that taking a standing, broadside shot through the heart/lungs on an elk with a 270 at 100 yards will kill ANY elk walking as well and as fast as any caliber out there. But what those of us who feel that something bigger is better for elk (and not just the ones who have "shortcomings as shooters") are trying to say, is that when that elk takes that unexpected step, or turns at the last minute, or is 325 yards away.... we would prefer to have a little more ummph to insure being able to take that shot with more confidence.

To say it another way, there are MANY that hunt with a 270 for elk successfully and extol it virtues. However, ask the same people if they had a 270 or a 300 side by side in their hands, and the world record bull stepped out, which gun would they reach for? I use the same criteria even when I am "only" hunting for a cow.