If I had to buy a rifle for deer only I would buy a 257 Roberts, which will be my next gun. I have aslo heard a lot of good things about the 280, which would also be adequate for elk.

I also have a wife that will let me get what we can afford. I just bought a 300wsm as a multipurpose rifle and I really like it. In a few years a may buy a 257 if I can afford it, if not I still have a good rifle to do everything I want for now.