7x57 all the way. Load 140 gr bullets at 2800 fps, 160 Nosler Partitions at 2600 for elk. Big punch, little kick.
I like the .270, but it's an important step up in recoil for a flatter tragectory.
The 7x57 w/ 140s in a modern rifle is a point blank rifle on deer and elk to 300 yards - and that's a long shot, despite what some here may say.
She'll love you for it...
