If I was starting out I would consider something with a short action, very little recoil and ammo that you could purchase anywhere anytime for under $20 a box ( rules out the mags). Unless your shooting very large game anything in the 30-06 size will do. Say what you will, not many people that I have shot next to can hit a pie plate offhand at 150 yards, no less in a hunting situation at 400 -500 (I can hear it now, blah blah blah blah blah). Some people let their egos enlarge their ability. I am very happy with my 7x57 and 6.5x55 for deer size game. Although the 7mm-08 is a very good roound as well. Like many have said you can't go wrong with the 280 Rem. But why not just get a .270 win, no difference between the two except you can always find .270 ammo.