There are several good calibers that are in the light recoil class I am rather sad at the lack of guns made available in 25 caliber. There is the 25-06 but recoil is not going to differ much from the 270. The 250 Savage is one of the best light deer rifles out there. However its pretty hard to find one. I have had several 243 rifles and I have a 250 Savage bolt gun from the 700 Remington classic program. My main rifle now it the 257 Robert. In my own expierence the 25 caliber rifles are more effective on deer than the 243. I won,t say that the 243 won,t do the job because I know that even the 22-250 will handle deer hunting duty when used properly. At one time the 7MM caliber was not popular in the U.S. now it the rage. Maybe the 25 calibers will be revisited in this matter at some time. I for one hope so. Look hard also at the 6.5X55 for low recoil and very impressive performance on all big game. Your choice of the 270 is a good one however. With my bad shoulder, the 270 is right at the upper edge of my toleance for pain. I can shoot the 30-06 if its not off the bench. I would like to shoot a 270 Short Mag once and see what kind of recoil they have. Can,t afford to buy one to try and I don,t know anyone near here that has one.