You are definately on the light side for Elk with the 25 cal. guns. With very good bullets and the perfct broadside shots, the 25-06 and 257 rob will kill elk fine. But Elk hunting isn't always perfect. If you are traveling along way to hunt for Elk, then I would suggest a bigger caliber - like 270, 30-06 or 308. I had a client last fall damn near lose an Elk with a 257 Weatherby with a broadside shot right behind the shoulder. The light bullet didn't make it into the vitals. They were Hornady 100 gr. Why even take a chance.