Get both.
In my opinion, I would rather have a lever 30-30 if I am sitting in a tree in the woods. In the kind ofwoods I hunt, ballistics don't really mean much. Rule of thumb is.... just shoot the deer!I think probably the best gun for the money is a Marlin 336. A brand new one can be had for less than $400.00.

If i were to get a 30-06, I would get it in a good bolt action. If you did a little shopping, you could get two quality guns for less than $1000.00. Minus the scopes.

The great thing about both is ammo availablity. The 30-06 can be loaded light to very heavy. If the Lord doesn't return before then, these two cartridges should be around for another 100 years. In most cases, you will not be nailed with $30.00, or $40.00 for a box of shells with the two.

But, if you can only have one gun (curse the thought), the 30-06 wouldprobably be abetter choice.

C. Davis