I would choose 30.06.. more bullet choices, and more of a gun if you decide to use it for bigger game. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but the 3006 is a fine caliber. ONe thing i noticed is that when i hunt in the brush, the heavier bullet "185" grain, won't deflect as much as a 130 gr bullet in a 270 when going thru brush.. I know all bullets will deflect but i have been able to shoot better while nicking a branch than my hunting partner with his 270. He has hunted for a long time and will only take the shot if it's perfectly wide open. I guess he has defected in the past.