RE: New Rifle
You mentioned both elk and antelope. Since much antelope hunting calls for a long range and flat shooting gun, I'd say a 270. But since you want elk too, i'd want something a little heavier. The 30-06 is good for elk, but it's not considered a "flat shooter" gun. Although it will work with practice on both animals.
I agree with some of the folks about the 7mm's etc...
Since I hunt both animals that you mentioned, and were in the market for a new stainless rifle that doesn't break the bank, I'd go with a Savage chambered in 300win mag. It's flat shooting for long range, (antelope) and hits hard on elk sized animals. There is nothing in north american that you couldn't hunt, while using a 300win mag. That's also my personal opinion about the 30-06 too.
Win the 300 win mag, you could load "down" to 30-06 performance if you wanted to. You could even buy some lower velocity loads for the 300win mag. It's a good all around gun.
(Get it ported. Your shoulder will love you)