Agree the 6.5 hits a sweet spot that overlaps all the other choices listed. Mine's a Swede but any of the medium 6.5s would fit the bill. I haven't loaded anything lighter than 120 grain pills but will give the lightweights a try sometime. Varmints to Elk is a pretty tall order but the 6.5s can do it. Second choice and a good one is the 7-08.

"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli