That looks like a very nice rifle.

In .30-06 there is absolutely no question as to its ability to bring down the largest elk.

A well-constructed bullet and a well-placed shot is all it will take.

If you do not handload, you might consider getting one of the premium lines of ammunition with a premium bullet.

Having said that, I have no doubt that any of the standard loads with a bullet that is designed for big game will also do the job. Just make sure you read the box if you get one from Joe's gas station - some of them come loaded with varmint bullets!

Now - this is just a question between us guys here, but when I saw your projected expenses for this anticipated trip, I don't recall that a new rifle was included in those amounts.

Does this have the approval of the Mrs.? 

Never mind - I'm sure you need another rifle.  :yes:

My first hunting rifle was a Savage 30-06, unfortunately, I sold it.  Great gun!  Very accurate and reliable.  food for thought - if you hand load or know someone who will hand load for you, I loaded my friends Savage 30-06 with 180 Gr. Hornady interlocks (using RE-19).  He dropped a 4x4 bull and a cow elk this season.  Both went down with one shot, and the bullet passed completely through.  Again, great choice in rifle.

Jim:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the choice that you are considering except for the sticker shock.  I am way to cheap to take the butt kicking on depreciation that occurs as soon as the trigger gets pulled the first time.  That immediately converts the $700 NEW rifle into a $500 USED rifle.  I am of a mind that it is worth saving $200 and picking up the severely depreciated, almost never used version of whatever it is that I have decided to acquire next.

The same theory applies to vehicles.  You will never catch me buying a $30,000 brand new vehicle when I can get the same thing for $25,000 with fifteen hundred miles on it.  I know, I know.  There are those who vehemently disagree with me and that’s ok.  But you DID ask for our opinions, so I’m giving you mine ;)

Now I have one other challenge to your assumptions.  There is nothing wrong with the 30-06.  It is a fine cartrdige fully capable of taking an elk (and just about everything else that walks) and it has a long history of use for big game.  If you want a 30-06, go and buy one!  But you have begun with the assumption that your beloved .308 is unsuitable as an elk cartridge.  I don’t think that is necessarily the case.  You are probably well aware that the venerable 308 is used in 1,000 yards competition matches.  The cartridge is fully capable of long range shooting.  You would have no business taking shots on game at long range with a new rifle regardless of the chambering if you had not practiced with it – a lot.  I’m suggesting that you consider doing the same amount of practice at those same longer range distances with your 308.  Not only will you be starting with a rifle that you are already familiar with – thus getting a jump start on familiarizing yourself with the rifle’s accuracy capability, but you will also be dealing with a light recoiling cartridge which is something that you have already said appeals to you.

308 can be loaded up to higher velocities than standard factory ammo if you desire. And any premium bullet that fits a 30-06 cartridge can be loaded in a 308 cartridge as well.  So you could be throwing the identical projectiles and likely the same amount of propellant behind it.    There are some really effective big game cartridges on the market in factory loadings with premium bullets for the 308.  it might be worth giving them a look.

And you won’t have to renegotiate the family budget with your wife as an added bonus!

Think of it as found money for the trip expenses!

Just my two cents for your consideration -

Mike

I agree with Mike on buying used. Problem with his 308 Mike, is I think he said it weight's about 10#. Not sure how much of that is stock because I think he also mentioned a laminate stock, those can be heavy.

There's only one gun I bought new in my cabnit. It's a mod 70 featherweight in 6.5x55 I bought shortly befor New Haven was shut down.

First of all, there's absolutely nothing wrong with using a 30/06 for elk. As far as I know it still tops every survey the RMEF does of it's members as the most popular chambering for elk among the membership. It wouldn't be my choice, but who cares about that? We all have our opinions and reasons and yours certainly looks very sound to me.

Not sure why you're surprised about the 22" barrel though as many manufacturers use a 22" tube for the '06 today. Remington's CDL model may use a 24" the Weatherby Vanguard and the CZ550 as well, but most other makers such as Browning, Kimber, Remington BDL,  Ruger, Sako, Tikka,  Winchester, Howa, etc all use a 22" barrel. I personally feel 22" is plenty of barrel for a 30/06. 

With new loads and propellents the '06 matches the factory loadings found for the venerable  .300 H&H mag, so the question of enough power is a moot one, IMHO. I'd suggest you look at (research) both the Weatherby Vanguard sub MOA and CZ 550 American rifles as well. The Weatherby is guaranteed to shoot sub MOA and the CZ 550 comes with CZ's very fine single set trigger system. Just a thought.

Both can also be found in SS, I am reasonably certain. Simply use a premium bullet (I'd look at 180gr bullets by Speer, Nosler, and Barnes) and it will be the perfect rifle for YOU and that's what you want, after all.

Great replies all Folks and I appreciate them!

My Savage in .308 is WAAAAY too heavy - it is a bull barrel and the whole rig probably goes closer to 12 pounds.

I would buy a new Savage only - I have brand loyalty and these Savages (and Stevens) have been great rifles for me.

Great trigger - and on/off muzzle brake - I am sold.

I hate to admit this (Mike is going to kick me out of the "Frugal Hunter" club)... I buy new firearms and new vehicles.

I have a 2005 Silverado 2500 4wd in the drive with 21K miles on it...

I think after all these years of short actions, I will finally try a long action and will likely go with a 30-06 and I like the idea of the brake on it...

Thanks!