Seeking Trad Deer - If you already have a .30-06, look no farther. You shouldn't be shooting much farther than would make a difference between the trajectory of the two anyway. Maybe 5" at 400 yards, which can easily be accounted for with practice at that range. Trust me, 5" at 400 yards would probably come close to being covered by the horizontal line in your scope anyway! If I were in the situation that you are, I would stick with the gun you have, and buy many brands of premium ammo loaded with the Nosler Partition, Swift A-Frame, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Accubond, Scirocco, or any other bullet of similar designinweights of 165 or 180 grains, see which shoots best, buy a couple of boxes, and go hunting. I have a .30-06 and don't plan to get anything more powerful, as there is no real need. Elk aren't covered in armor plating, butyou do need to hit the right spot on the first time.