For me, the rifle configuration makes a difference. In bolt sporters, the 30-06 is the limit. I tried a 35 Whelen, a cartridge I'd no need for but the craving that arose from its commerical marketing in the 1980s. Finally in 2009 I got one in a Ruger. It was more than I needed at the shoulder.
The 30-06 is more than I enjoy in a bolt gun, but I have no problems with an afternoon of .308 in a FAL or G3. The M14 is unpleasant to me and has me flinching. I cannot explain it.
For hunting and general fun in centerfire, .257 Roberts always wins.
