I had a 25-06 when they first came out. At that time the bullets just were not up to par for the extra power that it has. The bullets that worked well in the Roberts and the Savage were a bit fragil for the 25-06. The heavy bullet whichc at that time were mainly for the Weatherby Mag sometimes would not open. With Nosler bringing out the Partition and ballistic tip for the smaller calibers, this problem was solved. Now we have many good bullets for the 25's and I am ready to find a good load for it. I will start with and hope to stay with the 100 grain Nosler Partition. I feel that the 25 calibers except for maybe the Weatherby are at thier best with 100 grain bullets. The 25-06 will handle both deer and varmits with the 100 grain bullets. And yes, in a pinch the 25-06 will do Elk very well also. A friend of mine now gone, used the 25-06 for elk from the day it came out. Never lost one. This said, there are better rifles for Elk duty. For me its main duty will be Mule deer.