for a new shooter, the 30-06. for a seasoned shooter MAYBE something else. My first was a 308 and I learned a ton. It was perfect. Until the recoil issue is put to bed a 300 mag can be a bit much. The 3006 will cleanly harvest moose and elk to 300 yards. On another note i don't agree with the concept of too much gun. I've seen antelope taken with a 300 Weatherby and it worked perfect BUT the shooter had been hunting for 40 years and by the way his first gun was a 308.
I know a hunter that started with a 7mm and it was way too much for him (all 200 lbs of him). He has had a flinch ever since. Another hunter I know started with a 3006 2 years ago and liked it so much he has bought another. He has shot moose and deer left right and centre and is loving it. What a great start to a hunting career.