If I had to have one gun for deer and elk, it would be my 300 Win Mag. It is the most versatile rifle I own. Actually, if I could only own one rifle period, it would be my 300 WM. All I have to do is change the bullet I shoot from it to match the game I am hunting.
It has taken crows, coyote, antelope, whitetail, mulies, and elk from 40 yards to over 600. It takes them cleanly without the massive meat damage (except for the crows and coyotes
) that I experienced when Iused my 7mm Mag. And provides a flatter trajectory and more long range energy transfer than my 30.06 (that is my second favorite choice). Actuallymy 7mm Mag is history as it wasn't as accurate as either my 300 WM or 30.06, damaged the meat more, and kicked the hardest of the 3. Plus I just prefer 30 cal guns and the variety of bullets available.
I reload formy 300 andshoot150 gr Sierras or Nosler BT for deer, antelope, and varmints. Then I switch to a 180 grBarnes X for elk.I have an awesome load for elk atjust under 3000fps that will group under one inch at 200 yards. I was lazy last year and didn't bother switching loads for deer after elk season. I ended up taking two whitetails with the Barnes X load, one at 55 yards and one at 343 yards.
In my 30.06, I use factory ammo. I also like the 150 Sierras and Noslers for deer but used the 180 gr Nosler Partition for backup elk-gun duty. This past season, Iswitched to the180 gr Accubonds as they seemed to show better accuracy than the NP while still having the construction necessary to use on elk.Although I didn't use it on elk,I used the 30.06 and the Accubond with excellent results on a huge whitetail at 312 yards. Dropped in it's tracks.
I don't think you can ever go wrong with the 30.06 for it's available ammo and versatility.Especially if you plan to use factory ammo. I just like the 30.06 on steroids (300 WM) a bit better.
Although I have no hands-on experience with it, I think the 300 WSM is a fine choice too. It is close to the 300 WM in performancein a lighter and shorter package. Butif you handload, the 300 WM still comes out on top, especially with heavier bullets.
Craig