Hard to go wrong with #1. That being said, I've killed a lot of elk with my 375 H&H load with 260 gr. noslers @ 2750fps. Ranges from 150 yds to 350 yds. I've never tried option #3. I understand the concept but trust the historical experience and my experience more. I think you have them rated in the correct order. The best combo seems to a bullet with a SD> .300 and BC>.300 and velocities appropriate to calibler.