It ain't that the game has changed, there are just better tools.

You could still drive a Model T and get from your home to the store. Not the best choice in tools for the job though.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you can shoot it straight, it will get the job done for you.

Did I mention anything about game 06?

The fact that there are more tools available does not mean by any stretch that the 06 is not as good of choice as it ever was. New equipment on the other hand makes it an even better choice than it was. Better bullets and laser range finders will help improve any weakness it may have ever had. The 30-06 is not my favorite caliber at this time but If I could only have one rifle right now, my new 30-06 pump or a 308 or 270 pump would be the one. My bad left shoulder allows me to use a pump far easier than any other action. Another strength of the 30-06. ITs nearly impossible to find an action type that is not available in 30-06. For one rifle the 308, 280, 270 and 30-06 would serve the North American hunter well. As Ak and a few others point out, many other calibers would do as well. I will have to watch for a 280 Rem pump as well. there are quite a few of them still floating around. Can't have to many rifles. I still love the bolt guns and when I don't need a second shot, they are still fine. I can shoot them from a rest or tri-pod to support the wieght while I reach across with my right hand to work the bolt.

Let me say this, the original post is a good question but one big thing is missing here, he wants a bullet that shoots flat. No one has mentioned barrels, i have two 270's a 7400 autloader and a 700 bolt sendero with a heavy varmit barrell, same cal. one will blow the other away in ballistics. Look at all the cal. they are all good but look at the build of the gun, flat shooting with knock down and good price REMINGTON 700 SENDERO awesome gun

The Model T analogy is flawed. Whereas vehicles have improved greatly over the past century, bolt-action rifles really have not. It's true that the ammo companies are doing some really neat things with new and improved cartridges. But if a .30-06 kills animals just as dead as always, why even bother looking for some new fad cartridge?

I have my 700 ADL, and I feel totally confident with it in every state except Alaska (which most people never see anyway). The only other rifle I see a need for is an A-Bolt in .300 Win or .338 Rem for use down the road when I venture up into the Alaskan wilderness.

you bring up a good point. I do think there is alot of "i gotta have that" type people out there. Not that any caliber is bad or that you shouldn't buy it. But i have friends that see a new caliber and they have to have it.. Why, no reason just because. but why have an 06, 270 and a 7mm ? Don't get me wrong, i would love to have every caliber myself. But for different reasons other than its newest fad going. I guess the worst part is, when we go to the range it costs them double for there ammo and we both hit the target..

thanks trophyhunter... i think after visiting a couple local gun stores, i am going to go with a 270 insead of the 280... 1. the ammo is cheaper and easier to find 2. it shoots flatter... 3. i have only been able to find a 280 in ruger, browning and remington... i love these makes, but i don't want to limit myself to only 3 brands... i was looking at savage... but, i do have good luck with remington and i will look at the 270 you recommended. thanks for noticeing that part had een left out... i hadn't even noticed myself!

Very true indeed. Obviously, though, I'm biased--look at my name! I believe in the .30-06, and it fits me extremely well for the reason I've already given.

But I'm not going to say that it is the best for everyone, or any such nonsense. Each hunter must find his/her own favorite caliber and go from there. I'm only saying that the new cartridges (which can be harder to find and cost more) really don't impress me on large game until around the 500 yard range. I say buy one capable rifle, learn to use it in any situation, and have fun.

Actually my analogy is quite astute.

Model T & 2004 Toyota Tundra= Both get you to the store, the Toy just faster (more efficient).

30-06 & 300 Ultra Mag = Both shoot the same bullet, the UM just faster (more energy, flatter trajectory).

Don't misunderstand, the '06 will work just fine most of the time. The only difference is other rounds usually carry more energy and velocity (flatter shooting) allowing for longer shots and more "killing power" with the same bullet. For the most part this is all moot until you get out past 300 yards anyway so it really depends on the hunter and what their expectations are. Many pros and cons to both sides of the issue so there is no right answer in the end, it's really up to the person to make the decision based on all the info currently available.

For me, I want to have the most efficient weapon to give my game the quickest, most humane kill I can deliver.