My dad grew up with Remington 740 and 742s in 30-06 for when they would push the country by lining up on mile lines and walking to the next one.
When it came time for my oldest brother to buy a rifle, my dad suggested 270 win as it didn't kick as hard, shot a little flatter, and those model 70 featherweights are such nice rifles...
We have four featherweights, one WSM 700, and a custom long range model 70 push feed that will pin the tail on a gnat.
Have exclusively stuck to 130 grain SST, BT and always had good luck with them. Powders haven't seemed to really matter, but I haven't varied too far. Currently liking RL19 and how versatile that powder is for me.
It didn't hurt that in my room was shelves full of Outdoor Life books with Jack O'connor tales. For deer sized game, I think you would very hard pressed to find a better cartridge up to 500 yards.