Most of the "help me choose a rifle/cartridge" or "X vs Y" threads are generally "for deer sized game and maybe one day an elk". The "maybe" side of the question is what goofs up the equation.
Simply get one you feel is suitable for "deer" and one for a "maybe elk" and roll on. Seems there is something to being (perceiving) "overpowered" for one and "underpowered" for the other.
Go with your gut and wallet. 270's and 30/06's have been taking care of business for eons, but they are "gay" and "boring".
The rifle itself is only 10% of the equation if you ask me. I don't see a fella with a "maybe elk" at 300 yards wishing he'd brought something else to shoot. I don't have a "maybe elk" yet, so maybe I'm wrong. I do have a maybe elk rifle (7RM) and don't see it getting used for whitetail anytime soon with a 260 in the rack.
But maybe for schits and giggles it will one day.....
