RE: .308 or .243
I typicallyused a .30-06 or .300 WSM for deer. I bought my son a .243's for deer hunting.I enjoyed shooting his .243 so much I went out and got my own. The .243 is a fine deer rifle that is also great for varmits. You said plinking with some hunting. Plinking is far more enjoyable with a .243 vs the .308.
I have a .308 and like it, but I prefer the .243.