I have taken my Garand out to 1000 meters on a 20" target, with about 80% hits. 30-06 will outshoot you out to past 1300 meters with the right gun and a decent load. Most major manufacturers have multiple models of rifles chmbered in 30-06, so you should have no trouble finding a decently priced model of your choosing.
Good choice going for the '06... It is a true mans round, and don't let any 308 shooter tell you otherwise!
Hope that helps.