They are both good guns for everything up to moose/elk. I personally prefer the heavier bullets available in the '06 and 308 on bigger game but it really is personal preference. Whitetails do not normally require premium bullets in either caliber. You should use a premium bullet for the larger game. As in an earlier post, shoot, shoot, shoot. Not just off a bench either. Shoot from normal field positions. I know lots of people who shoot well off the bench and can't hit a woodchuck at 150 yds offhand. I have yet to take a shot at deer off any kind of rest. Every one has been an offhand shot.

I am going to buck the flow here when I say that a heavier rifle, at least for me, is easier to hold steady offhand than a light rifle. I know the trend is for light mountain rifles. My Rem 7600, which has a lot of weight forward due to the pump action, is a very steady gun. It only weighs one pound more than the Rem mod 7.

What ever you choose it will serve you well. Good luck!