I'd agree but disagree on the 7-08. Here is why.. If you're deer hunting or shooting factory ammo the majority of it is 140gr bullets, why not just push the 6.5cm w/ 140gr pills and have better overall performance. But what about elk you'd say, well I've found little information regarding the 7-08 pushing heavies. A lot of people claim the performance drops off fast. So I like the 308 (and up) for elk. NOW, rewind overall the 7-08 is an excellent choice if you do not plan on stretching out your elk shots.
I recently picked up some 175 LRAB and I plan on seeing how well the 708 pushes them. I have had some elk luck w/ this 7-08. One cow was shot at about 150yds w/ 140gr Fed premium barnes and a small bull was taken at 200yds w/ 150gr barnes. I wouldn't shoot at an elk over 3-350yds w/ that load (150gr).
Ohiohunter. Puttin that Barnes on top of that powder turns something kinda good for a tough job to something real good for it. I had great luck with a 168TSX out of a 300 WSM. Hit it in the left front shoulder and found in under the skin on the right rear quarter. Went clean through the cow and both quarters. I guess I don't gotta add there wasn't any tracking job needed.