I picked up a Savage 110 .30-06 combo with a Bushnell 3-9x32 scope for $369, they are $399 right now at the same place. With the $35 trigger adjustment that I will have done, and $200-$250 on a Leupold scope, I will have about $700 in that rifle. Not to count all of the money that has gone in ammo.

.243,.260,7mm-08,.308,.25-06,.270,.280,.30-06 will do fine for deer.

For bigger stuff, go with the .270,.280,.30-06.