I use RCBS lube and pad. I tumble after resizing and trimming and then run in an ultrasonic. Not necessary but I like the brass squeaky clean. Whatever gives ya that warm fuzzy, ya know?
I know there are a lot of people who use lighter calibers successfully for elk and more power to em if it works for how they like to hunt elk.
But if someone were seeking some recommendations on a dedicated elk rifle I wouldn’t recommend any of the calibers in the original post.
I know this...
I mostly seek scenarios where I can be prone but my next favorite is seated over sticks or bipod.
Anymore I am mostly looking over the shoulder of one of my boys and I have taught them to figure in a prone shot in their stalk scenarios.
Anything over 3 is a weighted point, which essentially means more of a chance to draw, however small.
There’s an explanation here:
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/SheepandGoat.pdf
Find water in the most remote patch of ground you can find would be a start without knowing the particulars of the area. What looks like good deer country might not hold any while you’d be surprised to find deer in other areas… lots of other variables, too, like migration and adjacent private...
Butcher boy is right on the money. Done quite a few that way.
Looks like you better find another skull guy. Is he using bleach in the water or just boiling too long? Wow…