For situations requiring shots of 500 yards or less, I would go with the .30-06. I don't do long range shooting myself, so it suits me perfectly for hunting large game.

Now, if I were pushing the envelope past 500 yards, I'd go with a .300RM. My next rifle will probably be a .300RM SS A-Bolt for use up in Alaska. I can handle the recoil, but I wouldn't consider it "enjoyable" to shoot. For me, the .30-06 is just plain fun, and it just hammers deer.