I have an old Remington model 700 BDL 30.06 and it is definitely my favorite go to hunting rifle. I own several other rifles I have bought and inherited from my dad. Pre 64 Winchester model 70 300 H&H mag, a 308 semi auto Winchester, a savage 7mm 08. I always seem to go to the 30.06 for hunting. I like the way it shoots with cheap 165 grain Remington core lock ammo. I've killed 3 elk with it from 200 to 400 yards and several deer. I've seen elk killed with an '06 from 500 to 600 yards. No issues at all. I've shot many of my friends 270's, 7 mags, and 300 Win Mags, and I just don't like the way they recoil. I prefer the smooth push kick from my '06 over the quick punch of the 270 and 7mags I shot. I hated the recoil of the 300 win mag. There is no way you could go wrong with the 30.06 and a really good scope.
