Personally I like the 30-06. Wide range of off the shelf ammo and good availability. .308 would be second choice. Get on UGE and keep your eyes peeled for a deal. IMO the products 15 years ago and older were better built. Ruger m77, Remmington 700, Savage110s, etc...
I still like good iron sights even though my big game rifles here in Utah all wear scopes. Most current production guns do not have sights anymore. Dinged a scope getting in a truck one icy elk huntand hunted with irron sights the rest of the week. Actually liked it in the timber. Out past a hundred fifty not so much.
I bought 700s in 30-06 for my sons nnd they have been great guns.
