I've converted five 30-06 owners in the last few years, they all now shoot .243s...
Every one on them flinched, I could out shoot them with their own gun, they were bringing them to me to clean, scope, adjust the trigger and sight them in...They just didn't like going out and shooting their gun...
They all bought an '06 in case they ever went elk hunting...
Boys, IF you can afford an elk hunt, you can afford a new elk rifle...OR...Most of us know a guy that has a .300 Mag stuck in a safe that he doesn't use
I know 3 off the top of my head here in NC...Borrow his gun, pay him back in elk steaks...
Frankly, if I had the money to go on an elk hunt, I'd be toting my .54 caliber flintlock, loaded with 100 to 120 grs of Goex and a round ball...
For you inline guys...100grs and a 300 Barnes MZ would be hard to beat...
I figure if it's once in a lifetime, take something worth remembering...