If deer is the biggest animal then a 243 is plenty I think but if you want to step it up a bit he 7-08 is a great choice. As to which brand you will have to handle them and figure out which fits you best which will help with the recoil. Tikka is great but it seems to be a waste to have a short action cartridge in a long action, I would look at a Sako finnlight or an A7. My dad just did what you are wanting to last year and went to a 243 finnlight which he uses for everything. Light and compact, fits him excellent and little recoil.
