Another vote for the .308. The 7-08 and 257 Roberts are good choices as wellbut ammo availability and price are issues. I think the .308 is around 17 on the recoil scale considering a 7.5 lb. rifle. I like mine which is a Browning Micro Medalion and it shoots great. I don't see any difference in recoil between the .243, 7mm-08 and .308. Take the plain vanilla .308; it will do it all. Nothing fancy; just dead stuff.

Everyone wants 300 yard rifle but very, very few need one. Woods deer rifles ranges are around 150 and under. I like a well balanced, 7 lb. rifle with a 3x9x40 scope; it needs to get on target quick, be very accurate and have good power. Don't see that I need anything other than a handy; short barreled (20") accurate rifle. From a field rest it will hit a milk jug at 300 yards no problem, is fast and handy in the brush and a breeze to shoot offhand. The point of the bottom cross hair is dead on at 300 yards and never had a chance to shoot over 100 yards or so. Factory loads of 125,150,165 and 180. What's not to like.