Raisuli,
BobinNH has given great advice and suggested alternatives to the 7mm Magnum for elk. I know you hate to risk damage to the shoulder that has already been an ordeal. I've a 7x57 that I love. Never used it on elk, but it has accounted for many Scottish stags that of course are much smaller than elk. But it's cleanly killed everything I ever shot with it -- with no fuss, no muss, and without joining my shoulder blades together. The recoil is quite gentle.
Admire your spirit. Good luck!
