I' m pretty partial to the .30-06, so here' s my opinion.

1. I don' t notice much difference in felt recoil using a Remington 700 ADL synthetic in either caliber.

2. The .30-06 is time tested and proven, and is available in weights from 125 gr. varmint loads on up to 220 gr. deep-penetration big game loads.

3. It also shoots a bit flatter than the .308 due to its higher muzzle velocity (and thus is also has higher muzzle energy).

I' m no rifle guru, but that' s my two cents. Keep in mind that both the .308 and .30-06 are great calibers for deer, so either way you can' t go wrong.