Wyoelkchaser,
Nosler makes a fine .277 160 grain partition. Backed by R19, its fine elk medicin' in my book. Excellent penetration qualities. Velocity and energy ain't all you need to consider. A lite bullet movin' real fast packs a lot of energy, but if it blows up on a roast you don't get the wound channel and lung damage you need. Heavy fer caliber bullets is best fer big bulls, and I've seen .243 shot elk run for miles. Lots of elk used to be shot with 30-30s too. But lots used to run off shot too. Read 'bout some of ol' Teddy Roosevelt's elk hunting trips. Makes you realize thet old timers weren't concerned with losing wounded animals or wasting game.

BJ