WOW, A lot of great suggestions here!

You are pretty well covered for Texas hunting already so I highly agree with the choice of a .22LR for small game and less expensive ammo, plus it is great to keep the experienced shooter in shape between seasons and teaches the inexperienced shooter the basics...and it is FUN!

Hard to beat a 10/22.....

Do I need another gun?... the answer is always YES!!!

I always get asked that question. I usuallt reply with, "Do you need more shoes, purses, perfume, etc.

243WSSM

Here's what I'd suggest, and this is my own opinion only:

Sell your .270 and get a 7mm-08 to replace it. They're almost identical ballistically at normal Texas hunting ranges, and the 7-08 is a short action with such a mild recoil, you could shoot it all day if you'd like. If you've never shot one, you should phone a friend and try it out. AND, if you sell or trade off your .270, you're still in the game to BUY another rifle.

For that rifle choice, I would highly suggest (again, my own opinion):
22LR semi auto with a tube mag, like a Marlin or Savage.
22 mag
17.HMR

Once you have your short-med range varmint plinker secured, I'd go straight to a Marlin 30-30 first, or some other kind of lever gun. Every Texan should have one; they're nostalgic, they're cool, nuff said.

HONESTLY.....that .270 will kill any animal naturally found in Texas, and all but maybe 2 in the entire North and South American continents....those being the Polar bear and the Kodiak or Coastal grizzly.

In fact, a .270, is perfectly adequate for most every game animal in all of Africa. Only the BIG FIVE, must be hunted with larger. And the truth on that, is that one of the most prolific Elephant hunters of all time Wm. D. Bell, used a 7x57 mauser to take the majority of his elephants. Look up KARA MOJO BELL.... a wonderful 7x57. http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/Karamoja-Bell-275-Rigby/

17 WSM

One thing the guys didn't say, is that your 270 is illegal to hunt with in some States should you ever wish to hunt out of State, say for Elk, Bear, ect..and a 30 Cal is basically legal just about everywhere..and the 308 is mild to shoot, normally very accurate and not particular to the fodder and can be down loaded for varmits and uploaded for Elk..DD

What states is it illegal in?

.257 wby

Or loaded down for coyotes and bobcats. The 308 is my favorite caliber right now for that reason. Plus, you could really jack something up with it using the right ammo. It's the best of both worlds.

25-06

Don, I know some states allow a shotgun only deer hunt, but that precludes any other caliber as well. So, what state in the U.S.A. prevents by law the use of a .270?