I like the .25-06 but really don't see the need for it over a .270 myself. With the .270 you have more bullet choices as well as heavier bullet weight options. With the right powder/bullet combination you could easily match the .25-06 and even surpass it. The lighter recoil of the .25-06 is about the only thing that stands it above the .270 by any margin. Better rifle for those folks that are recoil shy or have shoulder injuries making them sensitive to harder kicking cartridges. As far as using it for Elk, get the heaviest and best SD bullet on the market for the .25-06 and make dang sure you put that bullet where it's supposed to go and it should be fine. I think about the heaviest bullet for .257cal is 120gr which is a bit light for Elk sized game but again, well constructed bullet put where it's supposed to go will be an Elk on the ground.