ourabmen------ 1st welcome to the forum. Pick the one you like, gun style, price, quality of the wood stock, etc. I use a 30/06, using 180 grain factory ammo----I have had no problems in killing elk. My buddy uses a 7 MM REG Mag, using 160 grains bullets & has killed elk with it. It's really 6 one way, half a dozen the other. To be honest, You need to put a "good" scope on it----Leupold is my choice. Also, practice, hit where it counts-----in the "boiler room".

Last piece of advice is getting in shape, do cardio till you can't stand it anymore----then do another 30 minutes !!!