I would agree with your choice of a 270. You can't buy a finer deer caliber. I have heard good things about both the Ruger and the Browing. Don't know about the Tikka.

I would agree with sour. If you can afford a stainless, go for it. I had to have one reblued one time after a week of wet hunting. It was almost $200

Actually I would recommend a stainless with a BOSS. Pricey, but worth it in the long run. Decisions, decisions!