It depends on your max shooting range. I would determine what is the longest shot you can consistantly place in the vitals under ideal conditions. I would pick a cartridge that can deliver 1,750 ft/lbs KE minimum or more at that distance.

A 30-06 is good to approx 500 yards with the right bullet. In fact my handloads are good to 650 yards at my hunting elevation of 9,500 feet which is further that I would actually try to shoot. A 300 WM or WSM will add approx 100-150 yards to that limit. The 300 RUM adds approx 250-300 yards.

Bottom line is an 06 has plenty of power to take elk further than most of us can accurately shoot.

I like the new Savages with the Accustock for a rifle for the money and I like the Kimbers on the high end.