Haven't read the entire thread yet, but if I had to choose one "caliber"(cartridge) for the rest of my hunting days in Alaska without a doubt it would be the one cartridge I have yet to ever own just because we don't live in the crazy world of only having to choose one cartridge.....30-06 all day everyday. Its never the best answer, but never the wrong answer either. smile

That said, since I don't have to pick just one usually I'll grab the 338-06 shooting 230s as my do all. Its short/handy/light and works 0-500 yards just fine. If its further than that I got a 300 WSM with 212s that isn't as short, handy, or light as it has 6" more barrel and weighs in at 2 pounds more as well.

338-06:
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

300 WSM:
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

If I had to hunt with just a 30-06 though I would hack it down to a 16-18" barrel as I may never surpass the numbers of critters my wife and I have killed with just 20" barrel 308s and they seem to work just fine. wink