My old man killed more elk and moose with a .30-06 than with anything else. Even took a few with a little .30-30. A magnum rifle is only better for ranges outside of where 99.9% of hunters should be shooting anyway. He had a few magnum rifles but rarely took them hunting. He could bang a 16" gong at 1000 yards with 2 of his model 70 06's so I really don't think someone could kill an elk any deader at 500 and in with any magnum. I like the 06, always have, but I carry an old model 70 sporter in .300wm. I love that old rifle and I'm deadly accurate with it which is the key thing.