I travel to CO every other year to hunt Mule Deer and Elk. Back in 2007 I was faced with a similar decision and went with the .300 WSM. Its proven to be a great choice for me. I prefer the flatter shooting rifle for out West.

I'm also shooting 180 gr Federal Accubonds.

I have a T3 Lite in 300 WSM, and it is one of the most accurate rifles I own or have shot. 20 rounds from the bench isn't extremely pleasant, but it's tolerable. In the field, it's a dream. I use the Hornady 165 gr Interbonds, but I don't elk hunt.

300WSM or 338 Win
 

There's nothing in Colorado that needs a .338. I love the 25/06 and have rolled 300 lb deer with 100gr Core-Loks but some outfitters get nervous so I recently went to a .300 Win Mag. I recently took it to Africa and killed all manner of plains game (my buddy did it with a 30/06). I just killed a toad of a mulie in Wyoming (Saturday) with a 150 gr Core-Lok and killed a 350 class elk two years ago with a 180 gr Remington. Save your shoulder (and pocketbook) and go with the .300 and save the .338 for Alaskan Grizzleys ...... or Stryker vehicles.

wow good to see its not a dyin breed, thought i'd be alone on this...the 300WSM..no problem...n e where ya wanna go hunt...they have 30-06 bullets will do what a manufacturers 300wsm shell will do!!

300 wsm
 

You got that right. Go to "Podunk" and try to find .300WSM (or .338 for that matter). Everybody carries 30/06, .270, 7mm and .300 WIN Mag!

i am thinking about getting a larger gun also. i live in western oregon where its really brushy. so putting the kill on a bear or elk is important on the first shot. im thinking of a .325 wsm. either way you go, start shooting the barnes bullet. those accubonds are SUBPAR compared to barnes.

Bigger gun
 

I've killed a bunch of bear with .44 Mags. If you're hunting with dogs the key is what can you carry, weight and size wise. Someone should carry a rifle (as opposed to pistols). The Marlin .44s or 45/70 Guide Guns are relatively light an cheap. If you're in a stand BIG is good! Took .30 Cal 180 gr Barnes Triple Shock reloads to Africa and they worked fine. They weren't quite as advertised and I talked to the Barnes engineers about them but I can't argue with the results, 13 animals on the ground. In Calif we have the "condor range" where lead is banned and we have to use them, ..... or something similar.

In what way? How many animals have you shot and had poor performance from an Accubond? Because they've been hammers on everything I have shot with them, from 80 to 683 yards.