If you are only hunting whitetail deer or game not exceeding 500 lbs, then I would go with the 7mm-08. This rifle has low recoil and will reliably kill game under 500 lbs. There are quite a few factory loads available for this round ranging from 120-160 grains. In the hands of a cool shot that can wait until an animal is broadside the caliber is adequate for elk.

If you' re buying a rifle for an all around gun I would buy the 30-06. You can use 150 gr. loads for deer and step up to premium loadings of 180 gr for elk.