1 thought may be to buya deer rifle, and down the road if/when you do go elk hunting, you may be in the place to purchase a more specialized elk rifle, and if not you could still whip out that deer rifle and still do pretty well with elk.

Btw, I think if you're liking the 7mm Rem. Mag. and a friend is saying get the .300 Win. Mag. that debate is still ongoing, either would be fine, and if you like the 7mm, go for it.

I had a .270 Win, so when I wanted a magnum, I bypassed the 7mm and got a .300 Win. Mag. put a little spacing between the two. But I do think there is no need for a magnum on deer at less than 300yds. heck even deer out to 500yds would be no problem for a .270 Win.

You know the .270 WSM and .300 WSM are quite popular, I think the .300 WSM more so, maybe you should consider any of the WSM line....I've said it before the .300 WSM is like a newer .30-06, so if guys are saying .30-06, your friends saying .300 win mag. etc...

its a tough call, any will work, let us know what you end up deciding...