Man, if I where you and needed a rifle for both deer and elk, and have only shot a high power rifle a few times then I would be looking for an .308 or 30-06 and just pick a load that is meant to be used for what you are hunting. Either will get the job done on deer with just run of the mill Remington Core-Lokt's or Winchester Power Points. And then for Elk sized game just move up to some premium ammo intended for the job at hand. With either of those to rifle calibers you should be able to shoot enough to get comfortable with the gun without acquiring magnumitus. Shot placement is key with any big game rifle.