Good choice David. A 308 is as good an all around cartridge as there is out there and will kill deer farther than most people should be shooting anyway. Savage rifles are gaining a good reputation for accuracy despite the fact that they don't cost an arm and a leg. Keep us posted about how you like it and how it shoots. I would echo what timbercruiser said. I don't like ballistic tip bullets. Stick with a good soft lead tip bullet in 150 to 165 grain weight. I like Hornady and Federal bullets myself but try several different bullets in your new gun. Different guns like different bullets and will definately shoot some better than others.