Lots of info and flubber being thrown around this post. To the OP, the 30/30 and 270 have two different missions. The 30/30, has plenty of power to kill most things in north america, as long as the shooter does his part. That is a fact. Its a slower velocity round, and has proven reliable against game at distances up to 100yards easily. The 270, is a much higher velocity round, and shoots much flatter. Hits somewhat harder as well. It has the ability to kill most north american game as well, at longer distances, 200-400 yards, depending on the critter. Here is the twist, the 30/30 will destroy less meat at close range then a 270 will, and cheap bullets to cheap bullets, I would put the 30/30 more reliable on a 50 yard shot. Now at 200 yards, the 270 is going to be more effective, and since its bullet will have slowed down somewhat, it will destroy less meat then it would at close range. Bullet selection isnt as critical as it is at short ranges, with high velocity rounds. When you get up near the 3,000fps mark, cheap bullets tend to fragment upon impact. So, if you want a short range gun, the 30/30, or a 45/70 rules the roost. If you want more reach, and dont expect close up shots, the 270 is a good gun. If you want a compromise, a 308 is probably about the best, as it has the range of a 270, albeit a little more bullet drop(whoopie), and still wont blast a chunk of meat out.