AND HIS/HER BULLET CHOICE!

You never stated what the angle of the shot or bullet used in your freinds case, so I will not assume either way. But all to often a poor choice in bullet and decision to make a poor angled shot = lost animals regardless of the cartridge or caliber used. Sure a larger cartridge will allow you to take raking angle shots and still find pay dirt but that is provided the rifleman picked the proper bullet!

As stated previous it is not ideal but with one using a premium solid contruction bullet (built for tougher game) and proper/realistic limitations on distance and angle of shots taken the 270 is adequate in the elk woods. This based on my experience - I used 150 gr NP or 140 Gr Failsafes, limited my shots to 250 or under and positive vital angled shots only were taken(aka broadside or quarter away) to anchor both elk and moose. If you can't do this I agree it is not adequate as it will lead to lost/wounded animals.

BTW I now use a 7mm rem mag which affords me many more options and wouldn't dream of going back now.