I have taken all 6 elk I have had the chance to shoot at all with a 30-06 shooting a Barnes TSX 180 gr. I agree with both Flags and TG about getting as close as reasonably possible. All my elk were taken within 150 yds. I am not a great marksman but am a good hunter so I know my limitations. Using the ballistics TG posted I know I can deal with an 8" bullet drop but anything more at least for me would be a choice made to try to close the distance rather than shoot. It wouldn't matter to me if the elk were an average 5X5 or a monster my limitations would be the deciding point on the shot.