308, 7mm-08, 270. Recoil is light and ammo can be bought everywhere you go. If you actually hunt elk then buy the 308 because its gives 90% of 30-06 performance and shoots the heaviest bullets. If your only thinking about hunting elk then get the 7mm-08 because it has the least amount of recoil. The 270 is an outstanding compromise but recoil is closer to that of your 30-06. Happy Hunting.