Robert Scott I'm glad you brought up the point about 80% of the elk are taken by the same hunters year after year, I was going to bring it up in my earlier post but didn't have the exact numbers. I'm going to have to completely disagree about all the old timers using the smaller calibers. Now I can't speak for everyone in Utah, just my little corner of it. However I come from a family that has been hunting for generations on both sides and I'm not exaggerating when I say everyone one of them have upgraded to the bigger calibers for elk.

Now I will be honest I called a few of my uncles(old timers) last night and most of them did say they would feel comfortable hunting elk with a 270. However they hands down prefered the bigger calibers because they give you more range and that is necessary in getting an elk year after year which they do. They said the elk are getting smarter and getting one year after year depends on your brains AND your equipment. But I do agree with you that someone not living in elk country should not go out and shell out a bunch a money for a rifle and just one hunt, thats not practical. My only advice to smokpole was try and find a larger one if you can because it gives you more options. The fact that it is only one hunt is more reason to give yourself the best chance you can. But if a 270 is all there is and he can't borrow another then I'd say enjoy your hunt.

And yes Howler you are correct, shot placement is still important but I guarantee a .300 win mag will give you more room for error than a 270 and a lot more range.

Again just my opinion, nothing more.