.270 is a great caliber, the 130 grain load shoots very flat and is very versitile, (for example a hand load we used shot 2 inch's high at 100yds 6 inch's low at 300yds was a flat shooter so never had to think about hold over or dialing a scope out etc. to 300 yds lethal. We shot over fifty red deer in 6 years many of them big bodied Stags with that rifle and load.
As someone else said you can get ammo anywhere which is a bonus.
Your next question could be make and model of rifle? Winchester model seven has my vote..

Pick the rifle first. All of the calibers mentioned will work well enough. Also, look at your local stores and see what ammo is actually available for sale; that may dictate your choice. I think the .243, .270, .308 and the .30-06 are the most common, but .308 ammo is more prone to panic buying than the others. I also think the .270, .308 and .30-06 are better all around cartridges than the .243, not that the .243 is not effective. While the .30-06 is never the wrong choice, I think it's pretty hard to beat the .270 for Texas hunting, unless you have your heart set on a short action rifle, in which case you're looking at either the 7mm-08 or the .308.

For the .243 fans, please don't hate me. I killed 4 hogs and a deer this year with a .243 WSSM and a 6mm Remington and completely agree the caliber is fully capable with good bullets. I still think for **all around** use, the .270 thru .30-06 cartridges are a better selection.

Have owned 30.06, 7mm mag, 270. Have hunted the mountains for elk, mule deer antelope, all over Texas for whitetail, hogs, etc... My vote is for the 270. When sighted in 2 inches high at 100 yards with a 130 Federal Premium round, you can't go wrong. This setup will provide hold on target kill zones out to 250 yards.

.270

Don't confuse a 7mm (mag) with a 7mm-08 - two totally different calibers and guns. I can't imagine anyone saying the 7mm-08 is overkill. The 7mm mag - maybe some would consider that.

The 7mm-08 is soft shooter and is often the first choice for women or children - but that is unfair, it is a great caliber.

The 25-06 is also a great gun, and I caliber I am partial to and has little recoil.

The .308 is also one I own and it very flexible and recoil is less than a .270.

The .270 is also a great gun, my daughter chose that as her first rifle. It also very flexible, but she now prefers to shoot my 25-06 (at least on the range where recoil can build up after shooting multiple rounds).

One thing you might look at is the Tompson Center "Dimension" rifle that is new. You can change barrels and calibers and get a "package" of calibers. For someone just starting out, it can provide a way to cover a range of calibers very effectively - the gun is getting good reviews.

Package 'B' gets you 22-250, 243, 7mm-08, and 308.

I looked at one and was impressed. I thought about getting one, but I already have rifles in the caliber packages so it doesn't get me personally very much.

I'd go with the 270. Every deer I've shot between 100-150 with mine have dropped right in their tracks!!

Another vote for the 7mm-08. Awesome round, inherently accurate, good bullet selection, very manageable recoil.

I would go with a 30 cal. Just my preference for knockdown power. They have proven themselves to me over the years. 30-06, 308,30-30 or my personal fav 300wsm. A lot of people will say its over kill but when shooting at a trophy of a lifetime is there really a such thing as over kill? But all the calibers listed above are good proven calibers for Texas hunting. Good luck. I would put as much research in the make and model of the gun. Sounds like your on the right track for the caliber.

Welcome, Justimm you have just received a lot of opinions. That's what we are known for here, good luck on your choice and happy hunting ahead to ya.
Oh yea, .270 is my goto rifle w/zeiss optics. I own all the calibers you are looking at

270 or 308 are both great all around hunting rounds. I own a 243, but dont ever take it hunting. Even for my kids, I prefer them to use my bigger calibers with some of the Rem reduiced recoil. Lost a deer once as a teenager with my 243 after a careful, well placed vital shot. I never want to have that feeling again, for me or my kids. Lots of opinins here, sure some will disagree.

308 is my personal choice.

If its one or the other: .270. You can build your collection around that. .243, 6mm, 25 calibers, short mags....you can't have enough.

I am by no means an expert, but I think someone above made a good point about the .308. Isn't it more likely to be a tougher round to find during times when people are buying everything in sight?

270 OR 308 you wont go wrong, still have the knock down and reach out and touch as needed.

So should u prefer 270 over 30-06

I would say the 270 for the facts that you can always seem to find ammo for it and it is not real expensive.