woodrow. your reasoning is very sound. Using that 270 wsm like you're talking about you won't be under gunned with it if and when you do get to hunt elk. The caliber is more than adequate plus the fact you will have shot it a bunch by the time you get to try for elk makes it just that much more suitable.
I've shot and seen shot lots of elk. Most elk in mountain habitat will be lucky to weigh over 700 lbs. The occasional bull in complete prime before the rut would be the exception, and those guys are pretty seldom seen during hunting season or there wouldn't be many to be seen at all. I'ld guess there are way more spikes,cows and 5 pts killed everyyear than the giant 6x's the magazines and TV shows portray.
