One gun for the west.

[ADAMS]

Perhaps a bit much but I really like the .338 Win.

Practically speaking though, the .270 Win is a great cartridge.

[Straight Shooter]

I already have a 270 and 30/06 and I want a bit more knockdown power than that of a 30/06 for some extended range shots on elk. I shoot a good amount and recoil doesnt bother me much. thanks for all answers guys keep em comin.
What does everyone think of savages new accustock?

If your looking for just a "bit" more knockdown power. Why not just try the Hornady Light Magnum ammo.  You can get into the magnum power-range without having to buy another rifle/scope.  An '06 has plenty of punch as-is... unless your talking about "Best of the West"-type shots.

[Thenewguy]

I already have a 270 and 30/06 and I want a bit more knockdown power than that of a 30/06 for some extended range shots on elk. I shoot a good amount and recoil doesnt bother me much. thanks for all answers guys keep em comin.
What does everyone think of savages new accustock?

If your looking for just a "bit" more knockdown power. Why not just try the Hornady Light Magnum ammo.  You can get into the magnum power-range without having to buy another rifle/scope.  An '06 has plenty of punch as-is... unless your talking about "Best of the West"-type shots.

I have used this ammo and it works great. With my 7mm-08 i should 6 inch's higher at 300 yards. pretty significant

[280ackley]

Go with a .280.  If you reload make it a Ackley and your good to go.

[Huntbear]

.338 is only to much for hunting vermin like coyotes if you want the pelts.

It is not to much for long range deer, or for elk, or bear, and moose.  My handloads go 2950 with a 210 gr. bullet.  Nice and flat shooting.

[deerslyr]

To be honest im a bit skeptical of an 06 punching through the shoulder of an elk at 300+ yards regardless of the ammo and I want a gun that can do just that.

[wadu1]

Beware the man with one gun.  Just guessing here...but you likely don't reload and not shoot a ton. I would stay away from the big Magnus....rum, 338,etc. The 30-06 is a proven killer to way out. The level of recoil is a bit more forgiving and will likely get you to shoot more.  Nothing wrong with a big magnum...but they do beat on you a g good bite.

  You WILL NOT regret buying a 30-06. You could get by your whole life with nothing other than a bolt action 30-06 for all your big game hunting.

Bobcat is right on, no regrets with a 30-06. When your talking 300+ yards its not the cartridge it will be the optics and the shooter.

[C-Money]

30-06, 280, 270, 7mm-08, 308, 7mm rem mag, All Fine! Lean to shoot what ever you buy!

[Straight Shooter]

To be honest im a bit skeptical of an 06 punching through the shoulder of an elk at 300+ yards regardless of the ammo and I want a gun that can do just that.

How many 300+ yards shots do you plan on taking?  I've hunted for over 25 years and consider myself to be a pretty good shot... don't think that I would attempt a 300+ yard shot on a big game animal unless conditions were perfect (and I absolutely couldn't get any closer)... doesn't matter if I had a .243, .30-06, .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua.  With the right shot placement and the right bullet, the time-proven '06 will do its job... if you do yours.    I guess its your choice and your money.

[EDT]

.30-06 will do you fine - for anything!  I recommend the Remington 700 for whatever you do buy.

[bobcat]

But guys, he already has a 30-06 and wants something that's better at killing elk at long range. Which is why I said 338. 

[JimmyHoffa]

To be honest im a bit skeptical of an 06 punching through the shoulder of an elk at 300+ yards regardless of the ammo and I want a gun that can do just that.

An '06 will penetrate.  This is more a funtion of bullet design than cartridge.  There are a few minds that think the '06 will pass through large animals better than its bigger brothers.  Bullets typically have an ideal velocity for their performance.  Too fast and they will explode with little penetration (from a large retained slug).  Too slow and they may pass right through with out expanding much at all.  If you match the right bullet to the gun/velocity/range, you can outperform many 'ideal' cartridges.

[DRobnsn]

I agree with most everything said here, I see a ton of votes for the 06 which I expected when this started its a great proven cartridge and anyone I know who has one loves it. For good reason they work.

Personally I have never owned one, I have shot them in many configurations though. I will most likely never buy one for the simple fact that it's just not my cup of tea. Absolutely nothing against it but I have no need for it.

I really like my 7mm RUM its fun to shoot and doesn't beat up your shoulder nearly as bad as some say, keep in mind I am a big guy though. I also have a 300wsm and its a great shooter as well. I like packing it mostly cause it's the lightest bigger cal. gun I have. If I were shooting long range with a 30. cal my choice would be the win mag over the WSM though, they just perform better with long bullets and hot loads.

For long range I'll still stick with my RUM.

I can see myself in the future wanting a bigger bullet mainly cause I like guns and collecting them is fun. My next choice at this time would probably be the 338 Lapua it looks like a fun round for long range shooting.

I will also throw in a vote for the Rem 700. Great guns and the aftermarket is HUGE for them.

[EDT]

But guys, he already has a 30-06 and wants something that's better at killing elk at long range. Which is why I said 338. 

just spend time working on shot placement with the 06 or 270, and get a new Hoyt for next season.  But if you Absolutely have to buy a new gun, I guess the 338 will do. 

[bobcat]

Yeah I know, and I am one who recommended the 30-06, until he said he already had one. Who am I to try to talk someone into NOT buying a new rifle, because he doesn't NEED it?