Whatever you feel good about as long as it is in 30 caliber and at least 150 grain if not larger.
Was told that as a kid and found it to be true.
For me my 300 Weatherby with 180 grain bullet. However my favorite is my 264 but too much speed, tends to blow up (depends on the bullet) when it hits the bone and not penetrate and not a 30 caliber.
In the right spot on the elk and close enough I am sure my 25-20 model 92 will do the job as it did for Jordan on his five point whitetail.
Hell there are guys out there with their 223 AR and 40 round clips at 700 yards will get the job done.
Side note:
In the late 1950 at the age of 11 or so I was with my dad when he paid $75 for a Parker grade 3 dh at an auction. Remember the day well, it was sunny, remember the place and bring the shotgun home.
So last week, 60 some years later I am at a gun show and as I was looking down the table I seen that shotgun about 15 feet away and I knew right away that was the same gun. As I pick it up due to a small crack I knew for sure. He said make an offer and I knew they were not cheap but had no ideal. He said a couple of table over there is one just like it. Went and looked and price was $4250.
No way can I afford $4000 for a gun, probably never put a shell in it and then which kid of five gets it. But somehow, no way, no matter what, could I not get that shotgun back in the family and leave it in the hands of a stranger. Some how, some way.
Engraving the wives name on it sounds easy enough to work. yes/no?
So whatever you get, trust it, love it, keep it, respect it, cherries the memories. They will be many. It is just like the wife one gets. Life time, so all you can do is make it right the first time and not leave it in the hands of a stranger one day. db