[onehorse]

BukSeker, I've had all the calibers that you are considering and lots of different rifles over the fifty or so years that I have been hunting. I recently bought a Tikka 3 Lite Stanless, in .270WSM and think it's GREAT. The most accurate rifle out-of-the-box I've ever owned. It's guaranteed to shoot under 1 inch, 3 shot groups @ 100 yards, and it does every time! So, you've got the right rifle for your situation. This season I shot an antelope buck and 4x4 whitetail with it - not at very long reanges, but I've practiced with it out to 420 yards, and, although I personally think that distance is pushing it with any caliber in a hunting situation, this caliber does get out there! As for caliber: My Tikka .270WSM shoots much flatter than anything else I've had (.308, 30/06, .270, .280, etc.) Sighted-in for 200 yards, it's only 1.5 inch high @ 100. So far, I've been loading 130 AccuBonds and Hornady Interlocks, but am considering going to the Barnes TSX. I also shoot a Rem Model 7 in 300WSM which shoots almost as flat, but does have more recoil. I would recommend the 270WSM with 130s or the 300WSM with 150 or 165 grainers for your situation. But just to not offend anyone on the caliber issue, it has to be understood that all those calibers will do the job just fine, provided you know the ranges at which you are shooting and what you and your rifle can do at those ranges. Nothing (no "special" caliber or rifle) takes the place of practice and experience! Good luck with your new rifle.