I hear ya, Friz. The 30-06 is considered to be such a " versatile" gun by most because it' s one of the few big bore centerfire guns that you can buy shells for in any wally world....and there are so many factory loads available. Versatility and popularity are not the same.

To prove my point...shoot a 150gr out of a .270 and a 30-06. The difference is negligible. Do the same with a .308 and 180gr bullets.

Also, the deer doesn' t care how versatile your caliber is....just how accurate your shot is.