Jerry; I never said anything about Elk. I personaly have never hunted Elk Just Whitetail deer & Mule Deer & Never got a Shot at a Mulie.
Oops I also hunted black bear but with a Handgun & one year with a rifle. seems like I was shooting a .30-06 back then.
Too Clairify I Have never seen a cartridge hit Deer size game as hard as the .280! I have shot deer with .270,.30-06, 7mm-08,.308, .300 Win Mag, 7MM Mag, .280, & .45-70. oops forgot about the .30-30 & .243 The Only Cartridge I can say Knocked the deer down AT THE SHOT, is the .280 I shot 5 deer in 2 years with the .280. Everyone hit the ground a couple got up & ran a little ways, Maybe 40 yards. All 5 , 4 bucks & 1 Doe all hit the ground first.
That is Just MY observation. My father & 1 Uncle swear by the .30-06 My other Uncle uses a .25-06 or .45-90 to deer hunt with. everyone has there favorites.