Go to www.remington.com and click on ammunition then ballistics, and compare the .270 to the 30-06 (one of the more popular calibers and you won't see much difference. I handload and found that testing different loads in different guns bring out different results. Your buddy needs to shoot a round that is accurate in his gun. They'll all kill if they hit the spot. I have no doubt your friend will drop his elk with the first shot no matter what caliber he's using if he has confindence in it. Most of the negative talk you're hearing is stemmed from hearsay. I want to hear someone tell us that they lost an elk with a .270 that they honestly thought was an ethical shot. won't happen