this is a touchy subject for sure....
im not going to argue that a .270 isnt the strongest elk gun, but i do honestly believe that if patience is used in selecting a shot, and a person is familiar enough with the gun, that the .270 will work fine.. just my opinion, too many people use them here effectively.
now to the part of this discussion that pertains to me as a bowhunter

gselkhunter, i could not agree more with your post on the archery equipment. man i hat expandable broadheads!!!!! i konw they get the job done most of the time, but ive seen a few not do it around here, and i have always just hated them. i think the biggest part of hating them to me though, is that they fly so perfectly. i have seen too many people, who shoot approximately the setup you described, pull their bow out in late august after not shooting all year, throw on those damn heads, shoot one at 20 yards, and confident they are ready head out to the woods. that flat pisses me off. i think hunting in general takes dedication and commitment, and a lot of hunters dont have it...
okay, ill be quiet now
brad