There are many rifles that fit within the extremes you mentioned along with a good scope for $1500 for what you are asking. Just go out and start looking and get the feel of many of them and pick one you like the looks of and that fits you well. If you want a combo deer/varmint rifle, I'd go with a .243 or 25-06 off the top of my head as both with kill either at 300 yards with no problem and both have bullet selections for both animal sizes.