SMACK- I loaded and fired over 2500 rounds of 30-06 in one year. the last two elk i killed were with a 30-06. you do not say where you are ; or what rifle. you do not say what kind of groups your rifle shoots now. i would use h-4350 or varget and a 165 grain bullet. sierra btsp, horn btsp, accubond, or partition. my load is a 168 berger , 50.5 varget, 210m and lapua brass. 030 off. when is the elk hunt??