I voted for the 7mm Rem Mag for a few different reasons. First being, the 280 A.I. wasn't a choice (building one currently for elk, sheep, goat, etc...). Second, the 7mm bullet has an impressive selection of bullets with high BC values. I can get an 180gr. 7mm bullet with similar BC's (0.659 BC1) as a 212gr 30cal (0.663 BC1) bullet but being its lighter and when compared to the 300WM will send those similar BC bullets slightly faster with slightly less recoil. I know lighter bullets when hunting elk are not desirable but I doubt an elk will know the difference between a 180gr bullet and a 212gr. bullet thats 0.024" larger in diameter. Also, as many have said, pick the caliber/rifle you shoot well over a bigger and possibly more suitable caliber, just know the limits of the selected caliber. Most hunters will shoot a 7mm RM far better than something in the 300RUM, 338 Lapua, and bigger territory. 7mm RM is not and never will be the best elk round but it is a dang fine one still from all my research. In the end it's really the same as asking what's better Coke or Pepsi (Pepsi is better btw) and it comes down to personal preference and your specific situation.