OK fellas... The 30-06 that Jay is referring too is actually a fairly accurate gun. I am working on one right now for a guy. I have seen it shoot plenty to know that it is VERY capable of anything within 350 yards with a good shooter behind it. Even though it is a "pump" they are well built to tight tolerances.
Now by no means is 30-06 my favorite cartridge, but give credit where credit is due. If it was such a bad cartridge then there would no't be so many people using it. As far as ballistics tables and working out bullet drop comparisons, these are not long enough ranges that you need to worry about that stuff. Jay is not wanting a friggin sniper rifle here, he just wants a good deer gun. He is choosing optics well by going with something that is not only good for this gun, but good for what he buys next. Very smart choice to make Jay.
To top it all off, the best caliber is what your personal preference is. I don't personally use a 30-06 anymore, but have in the past. And have taken a good deer with it, along with some other game. The 30-06 is definately suitable for some larger game than whitetail as well. If you like the cartridge than you ought to use it, and if you don't like it then don't use it. If you don't like it then you won't be happy with it, and if you aren't happy with it then you have wasted time and money. It all comes down to use what you like, and what works for you.
Just my two cents worth,
B