Sales are coming up around the corner too. Then there's the whole "gun budget" I MEAN tax refund check.308 is a good round. There are some real good options on rifles as well. Ar platform or bolt action, the possibilities are pretty endless. I have 1 of each.
Either way practice will dictate what distance of a shot you'll be comfortable with. Here in Indiana chances of taking a shot over 200 yards at a deer are not very high, at least up this way. 308 will do the job just fine.
Depending on your budget there are some great bolt action options that will serve your purpose. Thompson Center Compass look real good on the low end. Can be had for under $300 if you find a sale. They guarantee sub moa at 100 yards with match grade ammo, and you do your part as well. Towards the higher end the Ruger precision seems to be a good rifle from reviews ive seen. Those can be had under 1k if tou catch a sale. Ive seen them as low as $850.
I know you talked about a Remington 783 in a previous post. Thats what i have. Got mine used for $200 and swapped out the glass and am able to shoot about a 2 1/2" group at 200 yards with cheaper pmc bronze. I know i can tighten that group up with better ammo, but the results are plenty good enough to hit the vitals on a deer.