Interesting thread. Lots of elk get killed by 7mm bullets put in the right place. I know a dedicated elk hunter very experienced long range shooter who killed one over 700 yards with his 7mmSTW in no wind conditions. That would be similar to the 7-08 at 500. Way out at the edge of effective range but the STW still had about 1500 ft lbs at 700.
In my opinion there are much better 500 yard elk guns than a 7-08 and you’d be better off using one of them if long range is your plan. Inside 300 with a decent bullet & shot selection no problem all day every day.
