NVMIKE

I'd use the 30-06 without question. the 280 is a very effective cartridge, but not very common in rifles or ammo, if your not a reloader I'd rule it out and consider the 7mmrem mag, they're nearly identicle performance wise. For the big animals the 06 will do a better job than the 270.

bronko22000

I have a 270 and I love it dearly. But like the gang in here said, either will do the job for you.
Now if I was to have one, and only one of these I would go with the '06.
Reason - a bit more versatility.

T-bird

I've shot a .30-06 for over 25 years, and love it. I'm big enough to admit though, that there's really no ballistic advantage over the .270 when it comes to whitetail loads. The advantage of buying the old naught-six would be if you choose to hunt larger game, just because you can get heavier bullets for the .30-06 than the .270. The heavier loads would come in handy should you choose to chase bear, elk, or moose.

But all of these critters have been killed by skilled hunters shooting .270's. So I guess it's more preference and comfort than lethality.

Ought Six

The .270, .280, and the 30-06 are all fine calibers for anything that walks in North America and most of the rest of the world. Honestly, there isnt a dime's worth of difference bewteen the three. I understand that they have all been over-shadowed by the hoopla for WSMs and what not, but the fact still remains that they are all reliable game killers. With the proper bullet, I wouldnt feel under-gunned going up against any critter that walks.

Sharp Shooter

I HATE the 06!!! Go with a 7mm or a 270. Much better ballistics.

hobie11

go with a 7mm remington mag. its a .28 caliber and it perfect for deer i use one myself. for elk and bear they are the perfect gun as well. better than the .270 and 30-06 in my opinion in velocity and energy.

Wave

field and streamrecently wrote an this article. both of us agree if you could only have one gun it would be the 30-06

http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/shooting/article/0,,230175,00.html