RE: Question with the .270
To me it would all depend on how much you plan on shooting at the range. I personally wouldn't want to spend days at a range shooting a .270 as mine used to beat my shoulder up pretty good after about 15 rounds. If I understand you correctly it seems that you want a gun to just "shoot" that will double as a good deer gun, then I would probably atleast consider a 7mm 08 too. It has quite a bit less recoil, but it will drop deer with the best of them. Iam not sure on ammo cost, but can't imagine there is a big price differance. Again this is just my opinion.