RE: Is the 308 the best all around round?
The .308 is a great round but for both deer and varmints there are better choices.I'd look at the .243,.257 Roberts,.257 Weatherby and the 25-06.That said it's not a bad idea to use your primary big game rifle on varmints just to get to know it better.As such the .308,7mm's,30-06,etc would all be a fine choice.