ORIGINAL: mnprohunter

There is a reason that the .308 is one of the most popular deer calibers in the world...in fact, last year, I believe Outdoor Life listed it as the most popular. I have a .308 and it is a great deer caliber. I would buy it any day over the 06 because of the little less recoil and shorter casing to eject. That being said, I only hunt deer and black bear with that caliber. If I was hunting Alaska bears...no way would you catch me hunting them with either of these two. While they could kill the bear it may take extra shots, may be slow on a charging bear to drop it. I have seen and read about those with lighter calibers getting hurt b/c they didn't have enough gun to stop the bear before it attacked. Good luck with your choice....and after all, the wife will only be mad for the first week or so. =) Get a few more!