What do you want out of an elk hunt? If you just want to go elk hunting with a majority of the bulls being raghorns with some trophy potential, stick with Diamond and keep applying as a group. They are just going to apply you in the units with the most tags/ easiest to draw.
If you want more of...
I haven't played with the 245s yet. I plan on trying out N570 with the 245s. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I will do some more load development after these next coues hunts.
A lot, I gave the gunsmith a dummy round with a COAL of 3.750 with the 245s.
My rifle specs are kelby atlas action, bartlein #3 @ 27", TI PRO 4 brake, mesa precision arms stock, hawkins M5 oberndorf bottom metal, triggertech trigger and topped it with a mark 5hd 5-25x56.
Yes, I shot a bull at 670. Hit him high in the spine, so he just dropped.
Shot an aoudad at 620 and that was complete pass through.
Last night my cousin shot a coues deer at 350 and that turned his lungs to mush with a pass through.
ALL 6.5s won't group well with anything. I though elsewise and purchased a Mossberg 6.5 CM to prove that a $300 gun in 6.5CM can shoot. It's also the only 6.5 creedmoor I own. I spent more bullet down that that rifle is worth. 135 Hunter Classic, 140, 147 eldm, 143 eldx, 123 hammers. Purchases a...
I would go with 300 wsm throated for the 215 bergers in the tikka action. Should be able to get there with RL26. My 300 wsm does with a 24" barrel and 3.15 COAL.
Not quite the same but my SAMMI chambered 325 wsm 24" barrel does 2950 with RL17 & 200 gr partitions. 2800 with H4350
26" 30 Nosler...
When I lived at 300ft, I would drive as far as I could and sleep in the truck for a few hours at around 6k. I would then get to my campsite at 10K, set up camp and rest that day. Hike/scout the next morning and hunt the following with no problems up to 12k. I stayed hydrated as best as I could...
I would give Shadow valley or HPO a call and talk with them. As Wapitibob stated, A3 and Wards have had issues with AZGF. I would also look at Burnt Timber outfitters.
I tried the 145 lrx in my .280ai with H4831sc, RL17 and RL26. Rifle didn't like the bullet I guess. Tried the 143 hammers with rl26 and the groups tightened up real quick. Out of a 24" barrel I am going 3075 fps, never found pressure but the accuracy was there and I am happy with that load.
Possibly, my 30 nosler isnt +P but throated for 245s and it has a 26" barrel. I am shooting the 215s at 3175 with retumbo. Could get more speed with rl26 or n570 but I am happy with this load.
Good luck! I lived outside Corpus for seven years and I recently moved back to AZ with public land hunting being a huge influence.
My advice is make friend with locals or pay up.
One time I used an outhouse near the shore of the lake, the wind was blowing straight up the chute. That wind was enough for me, I will pass on warm water.
I need a few for a mock up round to send to the smith. If anybody can part with some that would be great. I can also offer up some 215s, 200.20x, 225eldm for trade. Also 180 eldm, 180 berger hybrids if your look for .284.