When you figure in elk id lean 7mm08.
Hornady reduced recoil 7mm08's are $23 a box and bring it to 243 recoil levels so that handles the lower recoil yet still gives you the ability to step up to a "regular load" for larger game or when shes grows some.
As someone said 7mm08 isnt on every shelf, but then neither is the creedmore. But a person who prepares ahead never has to worry about those things.
To me a 7mm08 is one of the most versatile calibers since you can start it at 243 level with off the shelf ammo but then later step up 20-40 grains heavier in bullet weight in same gun.
Its what I bought first for my son because its a caliber he could use from day one thru the rest of his life.
