The .30-06 was developed at a time when a requirement for the standard infantry rifle was the ability to drop a cavalry mount. This was essentially the round used from WWI up to, and through Korea. By the mid-50's when the Army was looking to replace the Garand, advances in powder technology allowed for similar performance in a smaller case, with horse-killing ability no longer so much of a consideration. The 7.62 / .308 was designed to replicate the performance of the .30-06 with older powders. Certainly, with more modern powders, the .30-06 has a performance edge based solely on its larger case volume, but in actuality, the .308 gives up very little. What you gain with the .308, especially in a bolt action rifle, is a shorter bolt throw and a shorter overall action, which reduces the weight you'll be lugging around on those hunting trips.
Unless you're completely sold on a bolt, I'd recommend you at least take a look at the Browning BLR (lever gun). Of the others mentioned, the Marlin rifles will probably give you the best value for the money. As others have said here, try a few of them on for size and see what "feels" best.
Also, keep in mind that with a .308, you'll want to hang some decent optics on the rifle to fully take advantage of the cartridge, so take that into consideration when you're evaluating the balance, eye relief, stock comb etc.
Good luck and let us all know what you pick!
The ballistics are really identical IMHO.
I prefer 308 because everyone I know has a 223/556 Mattel Warrior model. /s
I love using my long distance cordless drill against them as then can’t reach out as far as I can nor are they ever as accurate as I am @ $300yrds.
Same guys swear by 30/30 and I love 30-06 for the same reasons above.
I shoot side by side with them and they think I’m a better shooter. I don’t. I’m just using a round with superior trajectory.
Just competing ideas about shooting. They think their arms are superior for CQB and I remind them the M1A was used for CQB and Long Distance communication in a few wars.
Still, I do want a 308 AR and might get around to buying one later this summer.
Great point IF you choose a short action "feather weight" rifle. In that case the .308 shines and is about equal to the .06.
If you have an economy long action rifle the .06 has some added versatility with the heavier bullets, 180 gr and up. Ammo is nearly as inexpensive for the .06.