you have gotten great advice
i have an a-bolt 30-06
i use hornady 165g superperformance these days
i have gotten 6 elk in the last few years, none went far, 3 at 400y others much closer
the abolt shoots 2 -2.5" groups at 300y w the 165's
get a chronograph
a bipod
a rear rest
a laser range finder rated to 800y +
try out at least 5 brands of ammo for accuracy
understand how a dirty or hot barrel effects accuracy
make sure there is no wind when testing for accuracy
pick the ammo from your test results
zero at 240y
practice at 300y
don't forget to use a ballistics program to see how altitude effects range and drop
when you get out west, test at 300y at altitude
limit your "on purpose" shots to 400y, you may need a follow up at longer range
if they are out past 400y, get closer, 300y (the distance you practice to) would be ideal
you will knock em dead
