Expat, since you primarily shoot factory loads, I'd go 308.

Having owned a fair pile of each, I've found the 308 generally a bit more accurate, particularly with factory ammo. It also is loaded hotter than the 30-06, and will generally equal it.

Handloaded, I think the 30-06 handles 180 and 200 grain bullets better than the 308, but even a 180 at 2,630 from a 308 is nothing to sneeze at. Having killed a fair bit of the same game with both, I can't say I've ever seen any difference, and it would likely take several lifetimes to attempt to find any.

In identical rifles, loaded to their full potential, I find the 308 kicks noticeably less.

Reading between the lines, I think your gut is telling you to go 308...


“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery