Sounds like you have pretty open terrain (at least compared to my woodsy NYS).
You get some purty good sized animals out there, so you certainly want to go with a dedicate deer round- the .270 is certainly fine, or something in the .30 calibers- .308, 30-06, etc. They all will have some reach, and have plenty of energy for angling through heavier animals. I am a fan of Rugers, but there are many fine bolts out there today. Get out with your uncle and shoot whateve he has- you get shooting experience with different guns. Allways a good thing.