I have shot a .270 since I was 18. I am 52 now. The .270 is a fine caliber, but I think if I had it to do over again, I would go with the .243 for strictly deer hunting. I don't notice the recoil at all on the .270 when hunting, but I just hate target shooting and sighting in. I think I'm gonna get a recoil pad before next year. I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.