I suppose it would be adequate for an experienced, deliberate hunter. Someone who knows that if you want to reduce a big bull to possession, you can't just nick a lung. One who knows you can't shred elk lungs like you can deer. One who knows you'd better get the heart/aorta, or be ready for a long, high speed chase. Of course, that goes for danged near every other cartridge carried by "elk" hunters, also.