The 25-06 and the 280 are kind of my current favorites. My 25-06 is a Ruger that I just had the Smith at that same gun shop do the trigger on. Its a sweet shooter. My 280 is an NEF cheap but a good shooting rifle. It has a 26 inch barrel and the velocity is right up there with the 7 Mag. I don't load it even close to its limits but It has the ability to really shoot fast and flat. However I am one of the guys who would take the 30-06 anywhere and not feel under gunned. I have a couple 45-70's for the big stuff. Right now I am loading one of them with the 500 grain Government RN and Goex 2F black powder. Going back to yesteryear. (even before my time)