If you are talking deer hunting and nothing bigger for this rifle then It don't make much difference. The 25-06 is a great deer rifle and a very good Varmit rifle as well. The 270 will do both both jobs as well but it a bit powerful for varmits. They use the same case however and varmit type bullets are available for both. My choice would be the 25-06 if elk and bigger animals are not on your radar.