i would personally feel fine using the 06. i read in a hunting magazine a short time ago written by a guide who only uses the 06. thats what he carries when he hunts and guides people. he also said that most people have too much gun to shoot accurately so they try to make up for the inaccuracy with more power. it's all in where you shoot is. if you use a quality solid bullet, well placed then you should be fine. i would also carry a good 44 mag handgun with good solid core bullets. but that's my opinion.