30.06 Because you can buy factory ammo from 90 grains to 220 grains. Luckily, I'm not on that tight of a budget.
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Quit whinin' or quit huntin', they don't go together!! Reese
When they outlaw guns...I'll be an outlaw! Reese
A .380 in your pocket is better than a 45 in the truck! Stolen
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
Unless you're ready to pay to switch out barrels......................................
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Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
300 Winchester Magnum. Same selection of bullets and factory loads as the 06. Can be loaded down to 06 levels and still maintain excellent accuracy. But an 06 can not be loaded up to 300 win capabilities.
I thought about the 300 Win mag but decided on the 30-06 instead . Availability of ammo being the deciding factor . If I'm so poor I can only own one rifle I probably wouldn't be able to reload either so I went with the 30-06 .
Another vote for 30/06. Elk are not armor plated and a 165 or 180 grain bullet kills them just fine. Of course it is also suitable for the full range of smaller animals between elk and coyote.