The 270 is probably THE perfect deer rifle(availability of ammo, effectiveness, ect...). If you ever want to go after something bigger, say elk or moose the 7mags, 30-06, 300win mag would be better if your going to do BOTH at some point. The 300win mag class shouldnt bother you for recoil if you shopot a 12gauge frequntly.If elk and bigger game aren't in the picture there dozens of great deer calibers, 243, 6mm, 250savage, 257roberts, 25-06, 270, 270wsm, 7mm08, 280, 284, ect..good luck