i guess before anyone can really make any sudgestions we would need to know where you hunt. whats it like. flat open area or thick ass tangled mess. big timber. pole lines. and so on. with any of those conditions an '06 would suit you just fine. i just prefer those big 35 cal bullets of my whelens up here cuz it is nastythick woodswe dont get many if any standing orbroadside shots. when your trackin a big buck usually you shot is running away and i know that i can stuff one back in him some where and know that the bullet will penetrate all the way up through to the good stuff. plus all my rifles are carbines or short compact bolt actions and they mostall wear iron sights or a peep sight

.....you guys should post some pics of yer gunz