Coastie I have to agree with you on 300+ shots at elk.There sure is alot of talk of folks doing it.
The ' 06 has more FPS+BC =Penetration.But still to take a 300+ shot is a low % shot and almost beyond the capabilites of the round and beyond most shooters if they admit it or not.
I have once shot at a elk more the 300 yards,all the elk I have killed is under 200.I belive in my ability to sneak,crawl and stalk an animal to were the % of a miss is almost zero,have I missed of corse.But it is not because I failed to get close enough but more shooters error.
I belive in fast high power rifles with lots of punch not cause of added range but for complete pass through and as much damage to the power house as possible.
When I shoot a elk,deer or what ever game animal I know I did every thing in my power to prepare,condition and season myself for the opputunity.
Yes there are gadgets and Do hickys that are all nice and shiney and make a hunter think he/or she can not fail.But what good is a Range finder if you can find the game,what good is GPS if you don' t get out of the truck.
This all gose back to our up brining into the hunting world.
Like my father told me never hold above hair and wait till you can see their breath.
And to me that means get close and make good.