If you want something light and handy, then a .308 length cartridge is the way to go because of the shorter action. The '06 is so close to the 7 Mag. in capability, I'd go with the .308 instead of the '06. For just deer, you might look at a roiund like the .260 or 7mm/'08. But the .308 is hard to beat as an all-round short action cartridge!