OMG, the 30-06 is the "do it all" cartridge. I shoot an M1 Garand and use the service loads with 165 bullets. In a hunting gun, it is still a good load although it can certainly be loaded to higher velocity. My first couple of deer were kiled with 30-06 and the old 180 grain Bornze Point bullets. But then I became a fan of lever guns. For someone who doesn't reload, it is probably the easiest cartridge to find ammo. Anywhere. if you reload you can go from a 125 grain bullet up to a 220 RN. Stay away from the 220 grain though. I tried them and the recoil was severe. The lighter bullets loaded to lower than max velocities areOK for deer and recoil is light making it a good option for those who don't like, or can't handle, recoil. Many newer cartridges have come and gone. Most of the new cartridges are trying to sell the guns to shoot them. The 270 is a necked down 30-06 while the 35 Whelen is a necked up 30-06, much as the several cartridges based on the 308 Winchester.
