I have both 30-06 and a 270.
The 30-06 is a pawn shop rescue 03 Springfield that I put Dad's old Weaver K4 on and refinished the wood and metal. Very accurate and I have put a few deer and pigs in the freezer with it.
The 270 is an early 80s Remington M700 BDL that wears a Leupold 3x9x40mm scope on a Redfield base. I bought this rifle at an estate auction in the mid 90s for 300 bucks, minus the scope. Did a trigger job and its been my #1 deer rifle since then. Very accurate and easier on the shoulder than the 06.
Both are good deer rounds, if you ask me. I have had VERY similar performance out of both calibers. I have found that the 270 seems to be more accurate...but the difference is slight. The 270 is also easier on the shoulder than the 06, but if you stick with the 150gr 06 ammo, its not punishing in the least. Actually, I find the 270, launching a 130gr bullet to be very pleasant for a round that gives such power. My M700 wears its stock hard plastic buttplate and it never bothers me in the least, with its recoil.
I'd say you can't go wrong with either caliber. The 06 might suit you better if you ever decide to go after larger game than whitetails, because you can load it with heavier bullets. The 270 might have an advantage if you'r planning lots of longer shots, because it shoots flatter. Again...these differences are slight.
You CAN load the 270 to some very hot levels - if needed. My Uncle used to handload for his Sako 75 270, some loads that were just under 7mag velocities. He used these rounds out in West Texas for mule deer and antelope hunts.
I think either round will serve you well. Pick a quality bolt gun like the M700 Remington, Model 70 Winchester, M77 Ruger, 550 CZ or Savage Mod 10 and you're in business.
- brickboy240