can a rifle be good for both elk and deer
 

Is there a rifle or caliber that is good or great for both deer and elk. I know overkill is about as bad as having a caliber to small for the animal but is there a cailber that does great for both animals? I am going to do a hunt in Ky and am going to get a highpower rifle. My long term plan is a elk hunt. Not this coming season but properly in about 3 years when i gradute college. Then i will be making some money. Now i do not want to get something that wont do either good. And it would be another reason to buy another gun later, but i would perfer one gun one caliber to do both if i can.

the 300 wsm and 300 win mag are both great guns for deer and plenty of power for elk

Many guns are good for both..

30-06
280
270
all 7 mags
all 30 mags
338 mags
35 whelen
8x57 mauser
and so on....

As far as overkill being as bad as not having enough gun... Not the case in my opinion. Overkill will kill and not wound the animal. I'd go with a 300 win mag or bigger.

Actualy I really like the 338 Win Mag for deer, it doesn't blood shot them like my 270 Win does. A shoulder shot will do a full penatration on a deer and that is the end of the story, break both legs and take out the lungs, DRT.

7mmRM would do perfectly

Is the 30-06 as big or bigger then the 300 win mag

30-06 ain't quite pushin like the 300

Same bullet or caliber .308diameter however the 300wm has a larger case capacity so it is faster/more energy and more effecient with larger for cal. bullet(grain size).

id go 30-06,7 mag,or any 300 mags.or a 338 Win Mag