Depending on budget, you can get a custom rifle for a little over$1000. You can get a custom 30-06 that won't kick as hard as a .243. That being said I am buying a 25-06, because I want one. But it fills what you have asked about, light recoil, various grain bullets, very flat shooting.

Any of these calibers will do what you want, and do it well. Personally, I'd recommend a .308, I believe it's about as versatile as it comes.

I think, in my own opinion, that if I was buying a rifle just for deer...I probably wouldn't buy a .243, probably starting with a .260 and going up.

My recomendations would bethe 308 Win.

Off your list I like the 7mm 08, it'll do all your asking and more (if required in the future). Not on the list I like the 2506 rem it is a sweet varmit to deer sized game cartridge. Who can really argue with a 270 or 308 win either though, both are perfectly suited for handling deer and as such remain popular choices. The list is long, just a manner of finding the one that fits best.

This leads me to believe you will not be reloading and in fact buying OTC Ammo. So while a number of afferings fit the first portion, the last portion of reasonable ammo willcut downthe potentials somewhat. I'dsuggest checking your area on ammo selection of the carts. of interest. IE: of those you listed the .260 rem is one of the more limited OTC offerings & the .308win is the opposite.

Good luck

270 or 25-06 are super flat shooting, hard hitting bullets, will drop less at 300 yards and just a good over all caliber and rifle.

Mine would be the .257 Roberts, then the .260....... those long 140gr pills kill like lightning

If your using it soley as a deer rifle then 243 would be my suggestions. I have 2 of them and love them for the fact that there are tons of bullet choices available..It also makes a good varmit rifle..

My brother loves his 7mm-08. I believe it is exactly what you are looking for. The .243 may not carry enough energy at 300 yards so I would leave that one out. The .257 Roberts and .260 are good substitutes. The .308 is good if you plan tohunt larger game in the future. That covers the short actions. On the long action side, the 25-06 can't be beat. The .270 and .280 are good also.

Short to mid range a 35 remington will work like crazy. Very underrated caliber.

Since you said short to mid range, .243 would be my choice. My son uses one, it puts em down every time. Great little gun. 7mm-08 would be good too...probably a better all around cartridge than the .243 but either will work fine. Good luck.