Lots of good info in this thread. The only thing I can add is that some of us can't handle the recoil of big rifles and therefore would use a 270. I hunted elk twice, in 1989 and 1991. The rifle I used in 1989 was a Remington 700 ADL in 300 Winchester Magnum. 8 lbs. with 3-9x scope. In 1991 I brought two rifles, a Weatherby Mark V in 300 Weatherby and a Mauser action 358 Norma. Each rifle weighed nearly 10 lbs. I didn't mind the weight or the recoil. Killed a bull elk with the Weatherby.
Now, at age 70, and on blood thinners after bypass surgery, hard kicking magnums are not for me. I have tried a NULA 30-06 like Mule Deer's, and it kicked the snot out of me.
So, I guess I'll follow Jack O'Connor's advice and use a 270 (or maybe a 6.5x55) if I ever go out west to hunt again. My 270 is not a lightweight at 8-3/4 lbs.
