Best all around elk/deer caliber?

[MADMAX]

The guys I gun hunt with myself included all have 7mags that ride in the safe now,   4 of them , me included  have now gone to the .257 Weatherby mag.
You can get a sweet vanguard in synthetic and blue for the price of an ADL.
I found a Mark V in synthetic and stainless with a burris lightseeker scope mounted  and dies for 500 bucks and a 30-06 ADL in trade on Seattle guns .net
We all have been really impressed with the round.
 

[coachcw]

Alot of good choices out there , I'd say you'd have a hard time beating the 300wsm pushing a 180 accubond for a all around package . topped with a 4x12 lep. If your looking for a lightwieght package i'd look into the .270 . Savage in the 6.5x284 would be another great choice no frills just plan and great shooting. some of the 7mms i've shoot really boot ya while the wsms have less felt recoil .

[Whitetail freak]

Hoyt carbon element rkt shuttle t lock   

[Bookworm007]

I shot a buck and a cow with my 7mm Rem Mag this year (not to brag  ) Its a great round, but I don't like to shoot more than 10 rounds of it at the range. If you reload the sky is the limit. If you are into buying box ammo I would stick with a 30-06. Its much cheaper just has more drop at extended ranges.

[Curly]

.280 Rem Ackley Improved gets my vote for the best all around cartridge.  But if you don't reload, I'd say the standard .280 Rem.

[h20hunter]

I'm going to say either .270 or .30-06. Two reasons....I have and enjoy my .270 and you can find rounds for both anywhere you go. That is why it is the best "all around" caliber.

[HoofsandWings]

Paraphrasing Jack O'Conner, it depends on how good a shot you are. Also how familiar are you vital areas when looking from multiple directions.
O'Conner used a .270 for African big game and pretty much anything else.

[huntnphool]

you can find rounds for both anywhere you go. That is why it is the best "all around" caliber.

I have yet to walk into any gun shop and not found 7mm ammo.

[h20hunter]

Good point...been awhile since I've bought rifle ammo....reload what I need and good to go.

[400out]

300WSM with a butt pad on it for the kick. Works like a charm for anything out there that brown or black and needs to go down.

x2 nothing has went more than 50 yards after being smoked by mine! even when running 

[bobcat]

30/06 is the best. Period. End of story.   

[Curly]

30/06 is the best. Period. End of story.   

Certainly the best parent case for some very good cartridges.

[BOWHUNTER45]

30/06 is the best. Period. End of story.   

Certainly the best parent case for some very good cartridges.

I will go along with that ! 

[JimmyHoffa]

I think .35 caliber is probably the best for both animals, individual animals would be different.  You don't have to drive it too fast to do the job on either, it doesn't require a can of powder to shoot flat and doesn't require a pinpoint perfect shot for placement.

[lostbackpacker]

I would have to say 30-06.
I don't currently shoot one but did for years. My current is .338 win mag for elk. Plenty of knock down power up to 400 yds.
.270 wby may for all else.  Flat shooting