If I was an avid elk hunter I might get a larger, dedicated elk rifle. Same if I intended to shoot ultra long distances. No more than I hunt elk though, and with a self imposed 350 yard limitation, I just took the .308 I already have. I killed a bull with a 130 grain Barnes ttsx and it closely resembled everything else I've deflated the lungs on. It killed it just fine. People kill elk all the time with muzzleloaders. Point being, in a pinch, most deer rifles with good bullets will work just fine. However, I applaud any excuse to buy a cool new gun. There's no need in justifying it. If you want it, get it.