RE: elk rifle
Well, there you have it, the entire gambit.
As you might have guessed before you posted, you're the one that will have to decide.
In wading thru all the advise you've received,you'll have to factor in your own concerns. Some you may want to consider:
** Doyou want "adequate"?
** If yourhost is a little sketchy about a 6mm, then are you okay if he instructs the guide to limit your shot opportunities to perfect broadside "whitetail poses" or do you desire a little more leeway? You may want to ask about this.
** It sounds like this is a "once in a lifetime hunt"; some folks like to go "light" in theirchoice of riflesfor the game at hand just as a matter of sport and challenge; however, most of them are quite experienced with elkand can go next year and the year after that and the year after that. Does that sound like you and does that affect your choice?
** If your guide was a little sketchy about your 6mm, then how happy or unhappy will you be, if when you pull up to shoot you seean accompanying guide bearing down on the same animal readyto back youup if they don't like what they see/hear on the first shot?
[May or may not happen, but when you're there and the elk is there, that isnot when you want to find out. You might want to ask about that part.]
It sounds like you have a golden opportunity. Good luck in making the most of it.