The OP said the shots would be 300 yards max. That's unrealistic in many elk hunting situations. I like the extra reach of a 300 magnum. My rifle is a 300 WBY. When I hunt with my 300, I've never said, "I wish I had a lesser caliber." There is nothing per se unrealistic about that at all. For many it isn't about the range at which you see elk but the range you're willing to take a shot.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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