Are you planning on hunting whitetails exclusively?

I'd put .308 on the list. Classic cartridge, widely available. If you are on a budget, look at the Ruger American or maybe the Marlin x series. If you have a little more to spend, I'd look at the Weatherby Vanguard 2 or the Savage 11 series (there are other good choices, as Sheridan points out). If you got more, go nuts . . . but leave money for a good scope (in any event) and plenty of practice ammo.