I get that this will be the OPs first hunting rifle, but the guy says he wants to hunt elk and bear. Frankly, I am with Formidilosus and his opinion of going with a big 30 cal for elk. I don't see bear any different. For the naysayers thinking that a 300wsm or the like will kick to much for the OP, there are these things called breaks that make a significant reduction in recoil. IMNSHO, based on some of the suggestions, I believe the OP will be significantly under-gunned. for the larger species. But hey, if he is going to work up to the larger species, at the point he does, he can buy a better suited rifle, scope...