for what its worth i ended up shooting my elk at 250. he was spooked and running from other hunters. one shot went right thru both lungs and was lodged in the ribs on the opposite side. i was not impressed with the amount of damage done. it did require a followup shot as he got up from his bed but went down shortly in heavy cover where i finished him. i am sure he would have died in the first spot he laid down if i hadn't followed so soon. i have a 338WM coming as i do not want to have this happen again. i believe the problem was the relatively small bullets and lack of tissue damage. i know the 7 mag is a great caliber but i do think a little heavier won't hurt a thing. i guess that's what keeps us buying guns and ammo.