The heaviest I've loaded the 30-06 was 180 grSierra spbt with IMR 4350 behind it. Ain't that heavy enough for elk?

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the 220 grain, maybe it's more of a moose round?

The 220 is too slow. The 180 grain is the perfect weight in a 30 caliber and is plenty heavy in a premium bullet. You could even drop down to 165 with an X bullet but you probably wouldn't need that extra 100fps of velocity and would trade it for a little more penetration from the 180gr.

I am going to use a hornady 165 btsp on this years elk hunt.