RE: Which caliber? Custom timber rifle for elk/deer
There's nothing wrong with a PROPERLY LOADED 8X57mm for your purposes, but not when used with U.S. factory ammo!! IF you rebarrel, my choices would be, in order of preference: 1. Any version of .338/'06; 2. Any version of .35 Whelen; 3. A .358 Winchester.
Keep yore powder dry!!