With the ever increasing assortment of fashionable Yuppie short magnums out there these days (get out your wallet!) there still is absolutely nothing out there to beat 30 caliber 1906 for economy and versatility. 308 (7.62 NATO) is a second choice but is in fact merely a shortened 06 case for newer (1950s) powders and isn't quite as adaptable as the 06, but is a good choice if you want medium-chamber length guns.
270 is a necked-down 06 dating from the late-1920s. Hot commercial shell (back then and still is) that didn't eat out barrels like a 220 Swift but still you're stuck with the expense of factory ammo. Only real drawback to 06 is it kicks like a mule with standard loads which is why (as a handloader) I'm still out there quite content with an 1890s 30-40 Springfield Krag.
Actually I have shifted to using revolvers for deer hunting over the last 5 years or so. I just don't care as much anymore if I "score" or not. I just like to be out there... but then, when the time comes to make a shot, I do everything in my power to make it a good one. When I started using a handgun, I started carrying binocs with me religiously and after using them.... I wondered why on earth I didn't carry them for years? (Ans. I only had some cheapie binocs and didn't like using them.) I just don't think it very "cool" to see some movement in the woods and pull up my rifle to check out the "movement".
