ORIGINAL: nksmfamjp
Well, I'm going to throw out just shooting the Rem Core Lokt. I had great performance in the 30'06 with that off the shelf for years. Now I have made hunting rifles, loads and optics unneccessarily complicated!
For the 130 or 150 grain load, it is $18.50 a box. That isn't too bad. The Federal Power Shot is only $12, but not sure if it is good enough.
Remember, with the 270, it is not fast enough to blow up any half way decent bullet up close and if you are only shooting Deer and maybe Elk out to 300 yards, anything much fancier maybe too much bullet as farr as performancee need goes. Now for animals that can eat you. . .We need to rethink this more!!!!!!!!!!!
Elk need a fancier bullet no matter what the range isthey are much tougher to topple then a deer and IME/HO tougher then a black bear and moose as well.
Also the 270 spits 130 grainers out of the muzzle at over 3000 fps so it can turn a bullet inside out on a close shot and is above the design envelope of some bullets. Granted hit a deer in the ribs up close, you'll probably get an exit and will for sure notch your tag but pull that shot to the front shoulder and you may be in for a touch more time chasing him down.
I personally think how you slim down your list of possible loads(to use a fly fishing term) is " "Match the Hatch". Basically do some research on various bullets onhow they are designed, intended use, etc and then make a list of those that match your hunting situation. Short list them by cost, availability, personal likes...whatever. While for just deer the list can be pretty long, I am sure you'll find ways to shorten it by digging a little below the surface.