HL--------1st welcome to the board. 2nd----The Tikka is a great rifle & your choice of a Leupold is right on the money. I've used a 30/06 Model 700 & a 2 1/2 x 8 Leupold for over 25 years here in Colorado. I've used a 180 grain bullet for everything from elk, bear, sheep, mtn goat & mulies. I know I'm in the minority here but I've used mostly factory ammo. Core-lokts or Power-points with NEVER a problem. I've handloaded some Hornady "spire-points" for my sheep & goat hunts. But they are just a plain jane bullet also. And in all honesty a Rem or Win would have worked just as well.

I've tried a box of Fail-Safes------pie plate size group. Went back to "Core-lokts".

Lots of moose are killed every year in Canada with "Core-lots" & "Power-points". Lots of elk here in Colorado, also.

I would stick with the 180 grain bullet. 165's would probably also work but 180's have always work for me & I see no reason to change.

Good Hunting.