ID skip over the tech, reasons here and just say that I've hunted for decades with a hunting buddy that has had a job for over 20 years as,
a swat member and now recently due to age, a police trainer now that hes older and hes hunted with a 308 synthetic stock carbine with a 22 inch barrel
and a 165 grain bullet, he built, to use in swat team, completion's, simply because its exceptionally accurate and effective.
hes taken a few decent mule deer and one elk that I know of and has had zero issues
remember its not the cartridge you select or use that determines your success,
as much as the skill and experience of the individual using the rifle and his understanding,
of the strengths and limitations of his weapon of choice.
youll be fine with a well thought out 308, but personally Id suggest a 20"-22" barrel to come closer to maximizing the cartridges full potential