Hello,
I tend to take the logical approach to alot of things so my pick would be the .308. This is the round that is used most by sniper and tatical teams in the armed forces and police world wide. Load up with a 168gr. boat-tail hollow point, I prefer Sierra over all others. Others may argue, but for accuracy, distance, and terminal performance the .308 can't be beat. In my opinion anything that can take out a 250lb. man at 300 plus yards should be capable enough for deer. I don't think that the few that I own kick bad at all. Is that really something that you think about when you line a wallhanger up in yor sights? The deer that I have shot with a .308 have went down, period.

Thanks for your time,
L.Bates