The round is adequate for deer. But definitely not nominal. If you are not recoil shy then why shoot the son when you can shoot the dad(30-06). The recoil from a hot 120 grain pill is not going to be very different than a load from a 150 grain 30-06. There is more recoil difference form the type of firearm used, rather than the difference between the caliber's.

IMO the better cartridge is the 260 Remington. It is better because it is a short action round, so for a hunting rifle you can carry a lighter rifle. Since the 25-06 is still a long action-hence heavier rifle.

Recoil is a function of rifle design, rifle weight, and whether it is ported or not. A heavier cartridge can have less recoil in the properly prepared rifle. So why handicap yourself with a long action rifle when a 30-06 clearly does a better job.

Also with the heavier cartridges there is no need to spend ridiculous amounts of money on "A Frame" bullets. Just to shoot a deer. Not necessary.

I hope no one brings up the trajectory bit. You either know your rifle and how to shoot it, or you do not. a few inches of drop are not going to make a big difference. A 165 grain bullet in a 30-06 is deadly on deer with no hold over or under out to 300 yards. If you shoot past 300 yards then you better know your rifle. And if you are shooting over 300 yards then I would definitely recommend the heavier bullets. Tom.