In a short action, I prefer a 24 inch barrel...In a long action a 22 seems about right...

My brother has 2 .270s, both with a 22 inch barrel, much longer gets in the way, especially in a box stand...

One of the most balanced rifles I have handled is the CDL in 7mm-08 as you know, it has a 24 inch barrel...Pick one up and you will see what I mean...

My other brother has a Model 7, 7mm-08 with a 20 inch barrel, that gun just doesn't feel right to me and muzzle blast is horrible....He has made some very long shots with it and accuracy is good, he likes it, but I don't.

As far as velocity loss in a .270, you or the deer will never notice the difference.