So when I wanted a dedicated elk rifle I bought a Kimber Montana in 300 WSM. Between my son in law and myself we have taken 18 elk. 1 with 180 Accubonds and 17 with factory 165 BarnesTSX. Recoil is not bad off the bench and in the field you never feel it. I don't think you need 175 or 180 Barnes. The 165 TSX give me quarter size groups @100. I would have no problem using the 150's or even 130's on elk if I hand loaded.
My son in law had now taken possession of that rifle leaving me to hunt elk with a ULA 300 Win Mag shooting 165 TTSX's. That rifle does kick a little off the bench.
