Didn't say I couldn't handle one, just that I don't need it. I shot a 6 lb 338 Win mag for a while, a 7 lb 358 STA, an 8.5 lb 458 Win mag, another 6.5 lb 300 WSM. They all killed elk effectively, and after 30 some years guiding elk hunters here in Colorado I've had plenty of occasions to see them fail too, because of a poor shooting IMO.
After being in on the taking of several hundred elk over the years I am of the opinion that the real advantage of the fast magnums is in extending one's range, if one is up to that task, and the slower mags, like the 338 win mag just add more thump. Impressive perhaps, but not necessary, again IMO.
I shot both my elk last year with the 7-08 my daughter used when she was a kid. Why? Because it's a nice, pleasant little gun to pack around and shoot, and it is fully up to the task.
