I hunt Elk Every year and to me a 270 is perfect but a 243 is a bit small IMO saying that there are many elk that have been Killed even with a 30-30 so you choose for me its a matter of shot placement and knock down i want the job done and over hence i use a 7mm you can purchase a limbsaver recoil pad and that will take a fair amount of the recoil out they say up to 50% . I use them on all my guns and love them for a lady i have seen sever ladies kill big elk with a 260 or a 7mm- 08 both of which have a lighter recoil then a 270 and yes get physically in shape it will make your hunt much more enjoyable if and when i get animals way back in the boonies i debone the intire animal that saves me about 200 Lbs of weight i now dont have to deal with if im close i Use ropes or a ROKON both have there benifits Hope this helps any more ?'s pm me im glad to help