Let's go back to the OP's question for just a moment. Looks like he's set on a 700XCR, but is looking for some perspectives on the chambering. He's not looking for you to comment on the rifle itself.

If you prefer to describe what you find "superior design for a hunting rifle", then I suggest you start your own thread about it rather than hijacking someone else's.

ok, I'll open this can of worms.
700's do not lock the action on safe anymore, haven't since 1980, if you want to have a rifle to take elk at 600 and beyond, you need a few things, first accuracy, you should have 1/2 moa accuracy, that will place the bullet within 3" or so of point of aim IF you have a good grasp on ballistics, and know where your bullet will be at that range.
You need a drop chart matched to your load that has been proven in the field, you need a caliber that retains 1000 ft/lbs of energy at the max range you want to shoot.
and you need practice. I've been in this game awhile and would not hesitate on a 600 yard shot.
caliber choices will start around the 270 Winchester on up.
RR

It's getting deep around here.

30'06 is a great all around caliber.

then prove me wrong!
RR

You have already done that for yourself.

No hesitation at shooting elk at 600 yards. ??
Please.

The only real problem with that is maybe someone less experienced may read such malarkey and try it himself. Old timers know better.

When does opinion become a p&ssing match and who gives a darn about who is right and wrong. Maybe this discussion should be closed.

look, bullcamp, I never said anyone could do it, I told him what he needed to do it with, I mentioned equipment, ability is up to the user. I've consistently taken game way beyond the realm of most hunters for years, with a better 1 shot kill average than most hunters.
like I said prove me wrong.
RR

Alright then RR. Since I can't prove you wrong I'll just concede that you are to average hunters what Carlos Hathcock was to USMC snipers, and 600 yard kills on game are no unusual thing for you. I take my hat off to you.

This is where things get challenging, and it's never a good indicator when someone wants a cartridge that won't vaporize a deer, but can still take on an elk at 600 yards or a charging grizzly. Maybe it's a good thing that the Wooly Mammoth is no longer found in North America?

I've read RR's posts over the years and had the same argument with him myself. That notwithstanding, he can talk in a language foreign to most guys who buy themselves a .338 LM and a long piece of glass and then anoint themselves as "long-range hunters." His vocabulary tends to be more what I hear in the long-range competitions I've participated in. He talks the talk, he's hunting deer, and I don't have much cause not to believe that he's capable of what he says he does.

But, we're not talking deer at the moment. If anything, elk are tenacious. Far, far more tenacious than anything else I've ever hunted. Over the years, I'm sure I've seen more wounded elk lost than I have deer or pronghorns. In almost every instance, I would cite "hunter overconfidence" in their equipment as a contributing factor. It's unfortunate that the same level of attention isn't paid to their skills as a shooter or as a hunter. If RR were to come out west and were armed with something more suitable for long-range elk, he'd probably do okay if he found a shooting lane that long. However, most "neophytes" (lol) have little to no business taking long pokes at elk with any chambering. Anyone can buy the equipment, but skills necessary to use them are only developed over time.

So, my advice to anyone considering that big rifle and big scope so that you can shoot elk at long range? Be ready to be disappointed if you're not an accomplished long-range shooter. You're more likely to miss or wound that 600+ yard elk than you are to drop him in his tracks - and you'll probably lose him anyway. When everyone's competing for antlers anymore, a miss puts elk in the next county (a cow call hasn't been made yet to slow a spooked herd of elk down from 600 yards away - that'll be the next invention, I'm sure). Chances are good that an animal wounded from 600 yards away will be picked clean by the magpies and coyotes before you find him. If you're not in the right spot to make a good shot on him, it's just not your day. Breathe in some fresh air, watch him through your spotting scope, and let him go. Maybe you'll pick him up (or a better bull) tomorrow...