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I'm with Cal on this one. The 6.5x55 is an absolutely marvelous cartridge. Like unto it, is the 260 Rem, which is the same bullet on a 308 case. Recoil is moderate, and it is an excellent hunting round.
All that said, I don't think you will go wrong with any of the choices mentioned. If you want one rifle to do everything, the 30-06 is still hard to beat. The 270 is also excellent, but--just my opinion--the '06 is a slightly better cartridge.
You aren't going to spend a lot of time with either of those, at the range, just plinking for grins. They kick hard enough that you aren't going to enjoy shooting more than a couple of dozen rounds.
If elk and bear are off the menu, then you won't go wrong with the 308, and you can buy ammo at practically any gas station in areas frequented by hunters. Recoil is less, and you're more likely to enjoy target shooting. More time at the range, better shooting skills.
One round not mentioned yet is the 257 Roberts +P. You won't find many of those for sale.
My theory is that you should use the lightest round that will reliably and humanely dispatch the animal.
I've been researching 243 for deer and pronghorn. I bought a 243, convinced that it was adequate for prongers, but the more I read, the less convinced I become that I made a good choice. According to some experts, it's really just a little light, even for a 140 pound pronger.
With what you've said, I'd suggest that you choose something like 257 Bob, 260, 6.5x55, 7mm08, or 308, simply based on the gun you like best and can get the best deal on.
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