rebelhog gave you a good choice. Some people use a 22-250 for deer as well as the 223. but IMO it is too light, especially for a novice. The .243is a good choice for deer as well as groundhogs and predators. Too, if you don't reload, ammo is readily available. As for the rifle, I would suggest a Savage model 11 with a synthetic stock. This won't break your wallet and just about every one is a respectable shooter.