I had the same question 30 years ago. My answer was a Remington 700 in 30/06 with a Leupold scope. It has never let me down & I've never felt undergunned. Taken everything in Colorado except a moose. Never a problem on elk, bighorn sheep, deer , antelope, Mtn Goat, black bear & cougar. FYI-- I shot 180 grain "Core-lokts"