To follow-up on the .246 vs. .30-30 thread (http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2965983):

If you didn't want to spend a lot of money, what would be more preferable, a .30-30 or a .30-06. From what I have been hearing, the .30-06 has a lot more recoil and accuracy distance, but is it worth it? What gun manufacturer?

I might be heading up into the mountains this season for a deer hunt, so I need to pick up a centerfire rifle if I go (we only use ML and shotguns in our state).

Any advice is welcome.

There are many variables to consider such as expected shot distances, cover / terrain, quarry. Either of the two mentioned is more than adequate to kill deer. The good ole' 30-30 with LeverEvolution ammo will do well out to two hundred yards or so. The 06' further but with more recoil. You just need to hit a LGS (or two) and shoulder several rifles and see which one feels the best to you. I'd say a Marlin lever action 30-30 with a fixed 4X or 2-7X variable scope would be a good choice.

If I was trying to mke a decision between a 30-30 and 30-06.
I'd go with a lever action .308...
Very inherantly accurate cal, probably more accurate than a bolt action 30-06, way more accurate than a lever action 30-30,variety of bullet choices, and almost as powerful (sometimes more so)than the 30-06.

The 30-06 is a very tried and true and popular caliber. That being said if I had to choose I would probably go with a .308 or a .270 myself.

Paul

If you are going to be shooting further than 200 yards I would get the 30-06.

If you're already shooting muzzle loaders and slug guns, you're already used to 30-06 recoil levels.

30-06 all the way. 30-30 is much more limited.

If it was my choice it would be a .30 06 hands down.
You can load all kinds of loads for it, you can buy ammo anywhere for it and it has stood the test of time. Many people consider it the best rifle/ round ever made.

I like the 30 30 also, but if I had to choose it would be the .30 06

150 yards and under..30-30 is a great rifle....150+ yards, I personally would go with the 06.....I live is southern wv and either rifle will get the job done. to many mountains and hills to worry about 200-300 yard shots.

Between the two, 30-06, but I would get the .270 with a quality scope.

I have both a Winchester .30-.30 and a Browning BAR .30-06 (semi & gas operated, lighter recoil).
Hands down I'd go with the BAR, plus more bullet options.
But theirs something so majestic about the gun that won the west...