I'd like to suggest that if your going to purchase a rifle think about one that can be used for a varity of game.

Your right about the .270 being a flat shooter, however its energy at far distances is somewhat limited. The 140 gr. is probably the most popular for that caliber, but I wouldn't suggest useing it for something like elk. You could go up to a 170gr. but you really loose the ability to shoot any distance with that weight. I would suggest for all around hunting either a .30-06 or a 7MM Mag., they both have the knock down power at long range, factory ammo is in a wide varity of grain weights, and available just about anywhere.