Ultimate elk rifle, or just what is used alot and is more then enough? Ultimate, 340wby/338RUM would be two of the ultimate rifles, in power, and recoil. 300RUM is right up there with it, then 300win. As for what is plenty, the '06, 7mm rem mag, 308, 45/70(short range dark timber elk buster), and even a 30/30 within nominal ranges. Its much glorified about how you need cannons to hunt elk. Honestly it isnt needed, but two days before elk season here, what are we taking? Im carrying my 300RUM, the wife, her 300win. Not because we have to, but because we want to!