Black bear

I'd take the .30-06 over the .270. Not only can you shoot a heavier bullet - which is better from a physics perspective, but the heavier bullets are constructed more solidly - less expansion and better penetration, particularly if you hit a big shoulder bone.

The only place a .270 holds an edge over the .06 is that it is flatter shooting, so for long range shots (300+ yards), range estimation needs to be a bit less accurate. This is why Jack O'Conner championed it, and without Jack, the .270 wouldn't have near the popularity that it has today.

The one thing that will eventually influence your choice is your age - when I was younger I used a 30-06 for deer - at one point I found the kick uncomfortable - went to a 270 for awhile - since most of my hunting in close range I ended up with a 35 Remington - now occasionally I take a 243 with me - they have all served me well over the years - but I must admit that when I was using the 06 the deer didn't go very far - it really took them down quick -

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Originally Posted by JoePa

The one thing that will eventually influence your choice is your age - when I was younger I used a 30-06 for deer - at one point I found the kick uncomfortable - went to a 270 for awhile - since most of my hunting in close range I ended up with a 35 Remington - now occasionally I take a 243 with me - they have all served me well over the years - but I must admit that when I was using the 06 the deer didn't go very far - it really took them down quick -

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Both with 150gr bullets the 270 and 30-06 have almost identical recoil numbers, you could just drop the bullet weight to 150gr for 30-06 and not bother getting a 270.

Unless an ULTRA-LIGHT-rifle is employed none of the "medium-calibers" is unpleasant to shoot (if the stock fits) . It baffles me why people who use SUPER-DUPER-shotgun-charges are concerned about the trivial difference (in recoil) between an 06 and a 270 .

OP, if you have a .270 it will do just fine. However if you don't and you aren't a Jack O'Connor fan the 30-06 is likely a much more versatile gun. I started out with a .270 as my first big bore in part due to Jack O'Connor and it has worked well on many bears over the years.

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Originally Posted by Gunner 38

Unless an ULTRA-LIGHT-rifle is employed none of the "medium-calibers" is unpleasant to shoot (if the stock fits) . It baffles me why people who use SUPER-DUPER-shotgun-charges are concerned about the trivial difference (in recoil) between an 06 and a 270 .

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couldn't agree more.
if you can shoulder a rife/gun properly, recoil should not be an issue up to .300/.416 in a medium weight rifle.

problem starts when you have been hit a few times and get in the habit of flinching. once you there, don't fool yourself - you'll flinch with a .270 just as much.
what can help is lots of practice (dry-fire, air rifle) and a well fitting stock/heavier rifle

Its not recoil that most people find offensive. Its muzzle blast. Put a decent set of muffs on ones head and they could shoot just about anything without discomfort.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

Its not recoil that most people find offensive. Its muzzle blast. Put a decent set of muffs on ones head and they could shoot just about anything without discomfort.

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Ain't that the truth.LOL I had the misfortune to be beside a guy at a range with a .338 Win that had a muzzle brake installed. Jysus,if that doesn't give you the flinches,nothing will.

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Originally Posted by sawbill

Its not recoil that most people find offensive. Its muzzle blast. Put a decent set of muffs on ones head and they could shoot just about anything without discomfort.

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my 300wm is fine for recoil and I enjoy shooting it even tho some say itll break your shoulder or the recoil is too much yadda yadda yadda...well my trick is I dont wear a skirt while shooting - i put my man pants on and its all gravy. As for the noise well...more noise more fun for me

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Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams

my 300wm is fine for recoil and I enjoy shooting it even tho some say itll break your shoulder or the recoil is too much yadda yadda yadda...well my trick is I dont wear a skirt while shooting - i put my man pants on and its all gravy. As for the noise well...more noise more fun for me

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The noise thing - well that's great while you're young. But if you shoot a lot, your older self will thank you greatly if you wear ear protection.