.30-06 IMO has 2 bullets for it, 150gr and 180gr, I've heard quite a few guys say the same. 150's for everything, 180 for the big stuff. I'd use 150s, find what works out of your gun, I'd probably go with a softer bullet for deer, no need for a premo controlled expansion.......to penetrate deep, I'd want it to expand and dump that energy in the animal, course not something thatll just shred on impact. I'd use 150s.....as my standard load and only when I needed to use the '06 on something larger, ie elk, bear, would step up to a premium 180gr bullet.