They are in the top ten. Its very debateable among several calibers for deer size game. Alot of em will do the job and the deer will be just as dead. Some excel at some things such as distance, wind, bullet selection, ect... better than others, but may lack to that same caliber in another catagory of deer rifles.
The ..270 is not the perfect cartridge in itself, but its in a group of perfect cartridges, if that makes sense. Personally, I wouldnt own one. I have other rifles I like better on both ends of the 270 range of bullets and performance and have no need for one, but thats my opinion.
It is among the elite 10 that would be considered perfect by many and all will kill deer equally as dead.Thats not debateable, I wouldnt think anyway.....
Andy
Out of curiosity, after I wrote this, I counted just as fast as I could, over 20 cartridges that could be argued to do the job as well and better in some instances than the 270. So, I guess I should expand that number listed above.
The deer will be just as dead with any of them. At one time it may have been perfect, had it been brought in before the 30-06. But with todays bullets and powders, there are alot of performers out there.