I suggest that when you choose the type of brass that you are going to reload that you try to stick to one brand. I prefer Remmington. This will take a variable out of your reloading experimenting. Powder use will depend upon amount you use (there has been a formula posted) and after a couple of pounds you will have a better idea. I also like to use the slower burning powders IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 ( I believe that the H1000 is more expensive than the IMR's). Also stick to the same type of primers. Case life is dependent on the loads and type of brass you use. If you down load (15% or so less than max.) your brass life will be extended (hard to determine load amount untill you experiment to find the load that your rifle likes, remember every rifle is different). I tumble my brass after a couple of uses. I don't think that tumbling is a must for I loaded for many years before I got a tumbler (RCBS). The .270 is a speedy bullet so I would look a boat tail design to assist in accuracy. I like the Sierra Game King b/t. They are not expensive and work great on game (not saying that they are better or worse than others but just that for the cost they provide great performance). Best of luck with your experimenting.

$37 for 20....wow, I'm glad I reload!

I meant that was a Duh on my part by not catching that to begin with.