What 7Mag said, Proof Research. No free lunch on conventional 4140 or 416 barrels with weight and ability to handle long target strings. If you end up selecting a "common" (read- no wildcat) chambering, you could go with one of their Savage prefits (about $850), instead of doing a full custom build off a blank. Depending on whether you end up LA or SA, get a lightweight stock and a Savage 10 or 110 action (even off a "donor rifle"), and it can be done on the cheap (relatively speaking, that is).
IMO, this really needs to be purpose-built given the intended hunting use. Most recommend about 1200 ft/lbs of energy on impact for Elk, and out west those shots can be at ranges limited only by your abilities, and capabilities of your hardware. The Creedmoor might be fine at 600 yards and less, but heavier hitting choices are needed beyond. 6.5-.284 Norma, .270 Win, .270 Weatherby mag, and of course the 7 mag among many others.
Don't overlook a suppressor if you go with a heavier hitting magnum. A lightweight titanium can will add about a pound, but provide substantial recoil reduction in addition to the main benefit of being able to shoot without hearing protection.
IMO, this really needs to be purpose-built given the intended hunting use. Most recommend about 1200 ft/lbs of energy on impact for Elk, and out west those shots can be at ranges limited only by your abilities, and capabilities of your hardware. The Creedmoor might be fine at 600 yards and less, but heavier hitting choices are needed beyond. 6.5-.284 Norma, .270 Win, .270 Weatherby mag, and of course the 7 mag among many others.
Don't overlook a suppressor if you go with a heavier hitting magnum. A lightweight titanium can will add about a pound, but provide substantial recoil reduction in addition to the main benefit of being able to shoot without hearing protection.