There is nothing in the North American continent that a 06 can not bring down with proper bullet placement and cartridge choice.
save the money and spend it on a Bow hunt for elk...
what fun is taking a 500 yard shot when you can stand 40 yards away and hear the elk breathing.. and then sling an arrow at it.. if you've ever done it you won't want to gun hunt them again, it is intense..
however goodluck with your hunt and with whatever gun you decide to hunt with!