RE: looking for 270 for first deer gun
 

James, doesn't the WSM have a marked advantage in Energy delivered though? I know the .270 is a great caliber, I'm just saying not to downplay the added (albeit small) benefits of a .270WSM. Granted, if I already had a .270 there is little argument to get the .270WSM unless you just wanted to play with a new caliber; you'd have to go to some 30 caliber bullet or larger to go a step up from the .270, but I'm not talking about that. I'm comparing the two on their own merits against each other, since the individual that started this thread doesn't seem to have either yet. The WSM does have slightly better trajectory as well especially with the heavier bullets, for the stat junkies in us.

RE: looking for 270 for first deer gun
 

There is a little difference just not enough to make any difference to me. However my main point is that both calibers are suited to the same kind of hunting. The 280 and 25-06 and even the 7mm08 and 6.5x55 would be in the same group for me. To move up to bigger game for me would requre at least 30 caliber with 180 grain bullets. That said though I am one who believes that the 270 is gun enough for everything in NA except the Grizzly and Polar bear. Of course the 270 has taken them as well.

RE: looking for 270 for first deer gun
 

i would go for the .270, not the .270 short mag. the mag is loud , and you dont gain anything from it. as for a model, i would reccommend a savage model110 or any savage.

happy hunting