Re-read the thread again and it seems the majority leans towards the 270 and 30-06. Trying to plug in the perfect gun for the one size fits all is like which is the best self defense pistol or which is the perfect single stop shot magic bullet. I don't think you can get here from there without settling. The primary eliminator here is the dollar.
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Look in your region where you will in reality be hunting and let the game that you will be going after be one of the drivers. Since the dollar is driving the rifle, the dollar will probably drive the game you will be going after.
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Look at the cost of the rounds (not using this hopefully temporary shortages). If the dollar is part of the equation, re-think about reloading unless you would be happy with a hand held leeloader. Reloading can get expensive once you have bought all the adjunct equipment.
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Here are three web sites that will help in an over view of the 270 vs 30-06: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/Outdoors/GameUsageCharts.aspx http://www.chuckhawks.com/myth_busting_calibers.htm http://www.internetarmory.com/rifle_hunting.htm
There are other sites but they all start to look alike other than lay out and colors. There are some little things I agree and disagree but in the bigger scope they are ok for this stage of your selection choice.
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