I voted 30-30 because really it's true, I've killed a lotta game with the 3 I own, and have been shooting em all my life. And because I love leverguns, not because of the cowboy days, but because I grew up in 60's-70's reading about Roosevelt, Whelen, and my claim was, not justvthe gun that won the west but in 1880s-1910, it's the gun that conquered and tamed the west, all way to Alaska! And where I hunt, steep tough thick mountains, I've yet to get a shot past 75yds. Lotta that because way I hunt yes, longer shots are possible, but usually inside 100yds yes! And despite many claims of loosing deer with the 30-30, I've only lost one, and it was no doubt my fault!
But in recent years I've fell in love with the 30-06, have two them, and my vote leaves me feeling kinda like I lied, because my Tikka M65 in 06 scoped with QD rings and a great set of iron sights, and my reloads, which really make it a 30-30/06, 308, & 30-06 all combined. It's by far the most versatile rifle I've ever had, and I can shoot sub moa at 250yds easily, no doubt further, but I haven't yet.
I've shot several 308, and from my experience, I'm in no way knocking them, but for me why buy a 308, when I have an 06? One my best loads I favor is actually a standard 308 load. And from the recoil issue, I've shot friends recently a savage 308, and minutes later my 06, and recoil was probably slightly less, with that load, but my rifle is only slightly heavier. But I can understand the short action, lighter rifle issue, and that a honest consideration!
If I was not a 30-30 nut, I would truly have me a 308 in a feather weight rifle, low power scope, now that be a honest good rifle around here. I gave a Rem 700 in 270, and I just don't care much for it, not yet anyways! I'd rather have a good 308 instead!
Don't mean to ramble on, but 30 Cal is my favorite subject, and if I hunted the Northwest, I'd no doubt get a 300WM.
But in all honesty, I don't believe the 300WM is a much better performer than the 06, unless you get into long range. And I'm a hunter, not interested in shooting game certainly past 300 yds. Inside that, the 06 covers everything with 125gr to 220gr bullets with plenty velocity!
As much as I hunt and love my 30-30s, if I had to settle for one, it be the 06!