The only elk hunt I ever went on I took a .30-06 and a 7 RM for backup. I hunted the whole time with the .30-06, mainly because the rifle was lighter (Tikka T3 lite). I was running 180 Core-Lokts in the '06. I saw bucks before daylight, and in a field by the road, but no elk. I did watch a black bear on a mountainside. It was an interesting experience.
