RE: 243 - 7mm08 - 308 Caliber ?
I have owned all three, still own the 7mm-08 and 308. I did not see a need for my 243 once I bought the 7mm-08. It hits harder but the increase in recoil is minimal. I have not noticed a difference bewteen the 7mm-08 and 308 on deer.
If I were to pick one, it would depend on its use. You said in your post deer so if it were ONLY for deer I would pick the 7mm-08. Any chance of me shooting something bigger (bear) or stouter (boar) I would take my 308. 7mm-08 is probably my favorite though overall......