A bullet can have the greatest integrity of all other brands, but without SD it cannot fully penetrate, and visa-versa (especially on a racking or longer shots). We owe it to the animals we hunt to use equipment and components that exceed the minium requirement to kill an animal cleanly. The "Barnes Bullets Reloading Manual Number One" states the mininum bullet one should use for elk using the 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., and 7mm STW is a 150 gr. Barnes X. The only time I think it is ok to use a lesser weight bullet is when a youngster, or one who is phyically unable to handle reciol is behind the firearm, and then they must keep thier kill shots under 200 yds. If a phyically well person cannot handle recoil, they need to use a lesser recioling firearm they can shoot proficiently, and not exceed that firearms potential and components.

Example:

I have a friend who is an older man who has a bad shoulder. He hunts elk with a 270 Win.; I load him 130 gr. Nosler Partition bullets traveling at 3000 f/s. He keeps all his kill shots broad side, and under 200 yds. or less if he can get closer. Good luck.