Stew, I would go to the www.federalcartridge.com website and look at the ballistic comparisms of the 2. I think both are fine cartridges and they have identical accuracy. I think the 270 is offered in more larger game variations then the 7-08. For a 500-600 pound animal I think both are fine rounds. If you have a 270 and are happy with it no need to exchange it for a 7-08. As for recoil no one will notice the difference comparing 130 grain vs 140 grain bullets.