A 30-06 will do the job all day long on either animal. And you can buy ammo for it anywhere that sells ammo.

Can't say the same for some of the other options listed.

i got a 300wsm for the same reason.bar short trac in mossy oak break up..absolutely love it...i am understanding they make factory loads fer a 30-06 that are comparable to that of a 300wsm

I am a bow hunter and live in indiana. I have only shot a few high power rifles. The 30/30 5.56 Ar15s and the 30 06 once when i was about 16. That it for high power rifles. Indiana is a no rifle state. So i am alittle lost when it comes to the caliber thing

I dropped both elk and deer with my 30-06. 180 partitions for elk and 165bts for deer.

Yep, it's called a 30-06 loaded with a 165 or 180 grain bullet. Not too much of a meat masher for deer sized game like some of the magnums can be. And loaded with a good 165 or 180 grain bullet will kill elk and anything else on the North American continent. (and most things on the planet)

Man, if I where you and needed a rifle for both deer and elk, and have only shot a high power rifle a few times then I would be looking for an .308 or 30-06 and just pick a load that is meant to be used for what you are hunting. Either will get the job done on deer with just run of the mill Remington Core-Lokt's or Winchester Power Points. And then for Elk sized game just move up to some premium ammo intended for the job at hand. With either of those to rifle calibers you should be able to shoot enough to get comfortable with the gun without acquiring magnumitus. Shot placement is key with any big game rifle.

I'd use a 7MM RM ( or a 300 Win Mag if the deer are Mulies).

I'm curious...why the 300 on muleys

thanks guys. You answerd a few questions. THinking the 3006 but might go with the 7mm or 300 either the rm or wm. Guess where see soon. Thanks again. Keep the answers coming

If a man is only going to have one rifle to do everything then there is no other choice than 30-06.