IMO this is a question about like ..."Blondes or Redheads or Brunette's???" No BAD choice's and I can make an argument for any of them or all of them.

40+ years ago I chose a 270 for my percieved 90-100% usage in Texas and have never regretted that choice with a self imposed kill range of under 500 yards, and closer to under 300 yards these days as my vision fades with age, but lots of elk have died every year since 1925 from a lethal dose of JOC medicine too.

IMO it comes down to how a particular rifle fits you on the LA x SA argument, what you have to spend to get the brand and model rifle you want and what caliber is available at the time.

Last time I got in that kinda deal I gave a dealer an order for a Tikka T3 SS/syn on a beat the price increase closeout sale and picked 270, 7-08, 308 & 30'06 as a preference list...but I already had dies and boolitz for a 270 too and dies & boolitz for the 308 & a SB 30'06.

So either narrow the caliber choices to 2 and flip a coin or if you reload expand the choices to anything from 6.5x55/260 to 338Fed/338'06. H#@* I'm still trying to limit a balance of my shooters to 3 within that range + one "Medium Heavy" bore just to play with, and having trouble getting even that done.

FWIW Look at the intended bullet weight ranges & possible MV's...and go from there.
Ron

30-06
308
I don't like .277 bullets, but that's me!
If I shoot a sub.308 caliber it's 6.5

My trusty 270 or my other trusty 30-06 either one is good for me..

If you wish to get tacky a 300 Win Mag will kick all their butts. It's ballistically superior at 550 yds to 1000 plus and throws as much or more lead faster than either at various ranges . Muzzle breaks make it fun to shoot, but I'd opt for a 26" tube on one. My last had a 28" tube on
It and would group under 1" at 200 yds.