Cases? That's getting kinda weak. Even playing a "casing game" the 30-06 family is in second place.
The "belted magnum" familythat was derived from the original 1912 375 H&H caseincludes: 300 & 338 WinMags, 300 & 340Weatherby Mags, and 7mmRemMags totalling to 17 vs. 13 for the '06 family (that said --- casings really don't matter, performance does). In any case (no pun intended) IMOthe "performance" on the "elk end"of things is "x" weight of bullet with "y" frontal areaflying at"z" velocity (bullet construction being a seperate foray).... last I heard the casing stays behind with the rifle.

No mistake though, the 30-06 is a grand old cartridge. Thereis a reason the 30-06 is our elk camp minimum --- It's big enough to convincingly do the job and anyone can find one to borrow if they don't already own one.

However, IMHO, it is the magnums that appear dominant in this "Elk Cartridge Preference Poll," even inspite of their "minority status" in the overall rifle population. Bigger jobs = bigger tools; they're just made for each other. Most elk hunters findmagnums to be very useful tools thataren't the "boogie man" thatso manydetractors try to "myth"themto be.

IMHO, if one wants to be a versatile hunter, ranging over wide geographic areas and varying topographyfor a large cross section of game, then thefirst 3 long guns should be a 22LR, a 12 gauge, and a 30-06! [... and then add from there]
================================================== ==

What is your current favorite elk cartridge that you personally have actually used to take elk?

5 - 270 Winchester
8 - 30-06 Springfield
1 - 270 Winchester Short Magnum
7 - 7mm Remington Magnum
1 - 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum
1 - 300 Winchester Short Magnum
3 - 300 Winchester Magnum
1 - 300 Weatherby Magnum
2 - 300 Remington Ultra Magnum
2 - 30-378 WeatherbyMagnum
4 -338 Winchester Magnum
2 - 338 Remington Ultra Magnum
1 - 340 Weatherby Magnum
1 - 358 Norma Magnum
2 - 375 Holland & Holland Magnum
---
41

[Stick Flippers: 2]
[Smoke Poles:2]