Never killed an elk with a 30-30, but not for lack of trying. As a kid I carried a Marlin 336 most always , no matter what I was hunting. In fact my only Couse deer and longhorn fell to it. At 12 I guess I didn't know anybetter, but sure had a lot of fun. Was never able to put the elk, me and hunting season all together in those days. I would gladly hunt elk again with the Marlin, and I am sure it will do the job if all the rest comes together.
