My Marlin XL7 30.06 weighs 6 pounds 11 oz & I shoot 180 gn core-locs. At the range I can put 20 rounds through it no prob, & when the adrenalin is flowing on a hunt I can't feel the recoil at all. I say go with the .06. A great variety of ammo is out there & the recoil is over-rated in my opinion.