R-Dog, there are so many different rifle calibers to choose from today and every one has a close following with opinions galore. You can virtually match the caliber, bullet, distance and game to select the best possible rifle/caliber/bullet for that combination. The 30-06 is a wonderful, versatile, accurate all around caliber that has ammunition available that will take almost any game animal (yeah, there are exceptions and I had to say this or I would be severely lectured on this site) and you can usually find a very wide variety of ammo almost anywhere you go (worldwide). My favorite, go-to hunting rifle is my OTC Browning A-Bolt chambered in 30-06! It's a perfect, inexpensive, light-weight field rifle that I have walked many miles with while hunting. I'm not afraid to get it dirty or scuffed up - because its a workhorse, not a show dog. I've taken antelope, white tail deer, mule deer and elk with it out to ranges of 300+ yards and most all have been DRT, not to mention the few dozen ground hogs and prairie dogs that have sacrificed their lives catching the lead my '06 delivered. t's not the caliber I'd select if I were truly shooting match or long range, but for general hunting in North America you can't go wrong! You have made a wise choice that I doubt you will ever regret. Wish you many years of safe, successful hunting!