The .308 is still the "bee's knees" when it comes to a soft target long shot. I grew up using the .30-06, which comes a close second to the .308. A good .30-30 lever is probably the best all around rifle to have around in this part of the country for brush.
Personally, if I could ever afford it, the Springfield M1A would be one of my best friends.
That was on my wish list too. Sadly, our friends at Springfield are building the rifles with substandard foreign parts. Find a used with quality American made parts if you can.