I carry a Buck Vanguard with rubberized handle for all elk and similar sized game. It has served me extremely well over the years and stays sharp through use. I also use a Havalon for antelope and deer sized game. Havalon works well for caping also. For what I do, I see no need for improvements...
I’ve carried a pair of 10x42 Geovids with me for years now. Use them for everything from spring turkey, archery whitetail through rifle elk and deer. Heavy yes and I use a variety of carry methods depending on season and what I’m hunting but I feel naked without them.
My wife and I have been there at least a half dozen times. We like to alternate between Gardiner and Cooke City/Silvergate. Lately we’ve stayed away from Jackson and West Yellowstone for reasons already mentioned. Usually leave through Cody and stop there for a day as well. We’re from PA. and...
I’ve found that people are as different as opinions and what necessarily is perfect for one persons style of hunting/pleasure is not anyway suited for the next.
How was your max determined? By the book or some other means? Looks like it needs more powder to me. Have you tried a different primer? I’d stay with 3 shot groups also.