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Well, this is debateable, but I have used a .270 for years with good success using quality factory loads topped with either the fail safe bullet or with partition. Lots of people use the 30 cal. rifles from the 30.06 upto the .338 mag. From what I've seen by hunters in my camp, is you can't go wrong with the 30 cal. rifles loaded with quality ammo. topped with the partition, bear claw, scirocco, or the barnes X bullets. All of these bullets will retain very good weight which will give good penetration. In the .270, use at leat 140 gr. or the 150 grain bullets. In the 30 cal., use 180 or 200 grain bullets.

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I've taken qite a few elk over the past 25 years here in Colorado. I use a 30/06 with 180 grains bullets. Last year's bull was a 6x6 that scored 288. I had good luck with the plain old Remington "Core-lokt" psp. I believe in using good glass---I use a 2.5 X 8 VarIII Leupold.

This is a really debateable question. My advice is determine what your max range will be. For example I don't like to shoot at an elk futher than 400 yds. Then with the help of your local gun dealer pick the lightest, softest-recoil rifle that will cleanly kill an elk at that range. Remember the more you like to shoot your rifle the more accurate you'll become and if it kicks like a mule, more than likely it will collect a lot of dust. But on the other hand you certainly wouldn't want to attempt a 400yd shot at a big bull with a 30/30. I use a 7mm Rem Mag with 175 and 150 gr partitions. I also like the 30 caliber mags but they are a little heavier. There are lots of guns that will kill an elk but the range is a little different with each one. Stay with the "tougher" bullets like failsafes, barnes X, bear claw or partitions. What grain to use will depend on the rifle.