USMC91, at least at this point, and for what and where I hunt, I have settled on the Barnes 145 LRX. It has the mass, and is nearly the size of a 160 class bullet. That being said, as with any monolithic bullet, you can actually go a step down, and still have enough bullet. I know of folks that have taken elk with a 270, and 30-06. So, ( and I can feel the frowns already,), but I wouldn't feel under classed using this bullet on elk. I chatted with a guy on here a while back, who did just that, and that bullet did it's job, and dumped a HUGE elk with this same bullet. There may be better choices, and I get that, but I guess what I'm saying is that I would not discount it as a possibility if I were to fortunate enough to go elk hunting.
I also have a love affair with a Nosler partition. Smoke one with a 160 partition, and you will have a elk to clean. The 175 Partition is a timeless 7mm favorite, and also will do well, as expected. Sometimes, they CAN be a little difficult to get to shoot consistently, and point on accuracy, but if you can get them to fly right, your search is over! One of my STW's loves the 140 partition. My #1 sendero likes the 160 moly coated bullet quite well. Take care, and enjoy your search!
