I'd have to say that it all depends on where you're hunting. This has a lot to do with your selection. Other than that its what YOU feel comfortable with Saying this combo is better than another is like beating a dead horse. I've shot many deer with everything from a 7mm BR to a .45-70 (basically one extreme to another) and felt confident with every one.
But to answer this post the choice of my favorite whitetail rifle in my safes would be my Browning Micro Hunter in 7-08. Its a joy to carry, is really accurate, has plenty of OOMPH for whitetails as far as I care to shoot at one and it seems to be my lucky rifle.(whenever I take it out I get a deer).