I can say for sure that the 308 with 190 grain Hornady BTSP will drop elk to 300 yards with the 308. I have shot thousands of rounds through the 308 as a steel silhouette shooter and used the same load for all big game. The 190 grainer does not start to fast but hangs in there out to 550 meters. It will still knock the Ram down at that range and still shoot clean through big mule deer as well. The Encore would be a good thought as Handloader one has said. The barrel caliber combinations are almost limitless. There is just something special in my opinion about hunting with a good single shot. That would include the very loew cost NEF rifles which can be had in 308 as well as 7mm-08. These little rifles shoot very well and Walmart sells them for about 200.00. I have several including one in 280 Remington. Its a great caliber and this one is a great shooter. You can also send them in for addittional barrels if you wish. Good luck and I hope you have many good hunting seasons ahead of you.