I've taken qite a few elk over the past 25 years here in Colorado. I use a 30/06 with 180 grains bullets. Last year's bull was a 6x6 that scored 288. I had good luck with the plain old Remington "Core-lokt" psp. I believe in using good glass---I use a 2.5 X 8 VarIII Leupold.