Yours is the proverbial elk/deer gun question which is exactly how the majority of elk are killed (with "deer" rifles). Whatever you enjoy and are good with on deer, then use that on elk but just select an appropriate, PREMIUM QUALITY bullet for the elk!
I have a safe full of rifles but for my customers wanting what you just asked for 9 xs of 10 i recommended a 7mag of their likings (go with your pick of a quality rifle. I despise the "walmart" 700s anymore but the better 700s are still great guns, i like sakos, brownings and weatherbys, kimber etc) and scopewise i always recommended that you cant buy "to good of a scope". For starters id recommend something like the 4x12x40 (or 50, your pick) Leupold X2, plenty power, quality, durability and wont break the bank.
Main thing with easterners going for elk, go in shape and KNOWING what your rifle is doing at whatever distances you are willing to shoot!
HL