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.
You suggest the 308 because it shoots the heaviest bullets yet you claim the 270win is an outstanding compromise between the 308 and the 7mm-08?It actually shoots lighter bullets than either the 7mm-08 or the 308win.The 7mm-08 is the compromise as far as bullet weights are concerned and it offers the least recoil.