I think you will find that the .30 cal. range dominates through NY and New England for a reason. The northern regions (think Adirondacks and northern NY) can hold some dang big deer, generally quite a bit heavier than found in the south where the .243, .25 cal. etc. really do well. I myself prefer the .308, but also love the 8x 57. Along with big deer, the opportunity for bumping into a fat old bear is possible. The .270 is well proven, but the .30 cals soundly hold the northern hunting territories for a long time for a reason.