Lot of difference between the 30-30 and 30-06. 30-06 is alot bigger, you can hunt elk and moose with em. 30-30 is alot smaller you cant get near the distance with it. It is a close range deer gun. To me they are good for 100 yards. I have killed deer with my 30-06 at 500 yards. If I was you geting my first gun I would get a Remington 700 270 bolt action. that is one of the best deer guns its like the 30-06 just a hair smaller. But I think you could shoot a 25-06 or a 308 cheeper and they are both great deer guns.