I hunt mule deer in western SD. I have taken the most deer with my 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser. Your right about the range. Where I hunt you can expect most of your shots at the 200-250 yards. Over the years I have only shot past 300 yard maybe three or four times. I have rifle and Muzzle loader permite for the Area North Of Wall SD. I have a small farm there. My wife is working in ND so I am up here most of the time. Of the rifles you mentioned I would opt for the 270 WSM.