Crazy thing about the ballistics of the 6.5.. Give it enough powder and it will do just about anything you want it to. The 6.5-300 shoots flat, uphill and downhill and will do it over some huge distances. You still have to be mindful of the energy and velocity that you need to open a wound channel that doesn't close up or you'll be tracking a wounded animal but as long as you do that, an Elk is easily within it's capabilities. Zero it at 300 yards, don't mess with your scope and just use holdover or hold under. An Elk's hide is pretty thick so stick with the A-Max bullets.