RE: 30-06 bullet weight on elk
For long range: I like the 180 grain Federal High Energy Loads (can't use in Semi's)
For short range: I like 180 grain - any quality round (nosler partition, hornady interlocks or interbonds, etc).
Just remember, with elk, shoot them until their dead. They take a lot of killing! Last year's bull took 4 rounds before dropping. Year before took 2 rounds. Four years ago took 3 rounds. My first bull, a spike took 6 rounds. All of these were shot with 30-06 180 grain....and only one shot ruined any meat. I've heard of too many elk getting away wounded. I shoot them until they stay down.