The 30-30 would probably work but your 30.06 would be better for the longer shots. I faced the same problems a couple or years ago and it was very frustrating. After learning through trial and error I learned that some of my problems where that I had the scope too far forward and I was sighting it in too close, not 100 yards exactly. Anyways, dont give up hope on your 30.06, keep working with it until you find a load that works better, maybe a lighter load. If all else fails and you think that you will do better with a levergun with open sights then by all means give it a try. I know that I sure like mine, there is nothing more comforatable to shoot to me.