mule deer: Make up your mind (if you can?) is the 7m/m Remington Magnum an "honest Elk Rifle" or not - like the original poster asked.
The Elk I have kill't with my 7m/m Remington Magnum have all been one shot kills by the way.
Nothing you have burped up dissuades my opinion or experiences ONE iota!
The 7m/m Remington Magnum is ONE of the choices the original poster inquired about and I wholeheartedly endorse use of this caliber - based on MY and my many Hunting partners experiences.
I absolutely DID NOT in any way shape or form infer that the 7m/m Remington Magnum "is the only answer" your inference I did is, well short sighted and stupid.
Long live the 7m/m Remington Magnum!
Sheesh.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy