Need a deer rifle...

I know I sound like a broken record when people ask about a budget rifle, but the Weatherby Vanguard for around the $400 mark is hard to beat. Mine is in .30-06 and I love it. It's available in both calibers you are considering. It's a bargain.
My only knock against it is it's weight. It's a little on the heavy side.

I spent time in the high road archives reading up before I bought my last high power bolt rifle. You have asked a great question and there are many right answers.

We could name rifles from A-Z but they are fifles that fit us.

I agree with the advice to go by the local gunshow,pawn shop or gun dealer.
Handle and inspect many. Get a feel for what you like. I like to raise them up and look down the sights, I measure how steady they feel and if the reach fits me.

May I suggest checking out the hunting threads on this site. They may be helpful.

Best of luck with your hunt

You can get a Savage with scope for $397 from Wal-mart in .243, .308, .270 or .30-06.

Replace the cheap scope that it comes with with a good one when funds permit. The rings will work fine with the new scope. You can't even get the rifle without the scope for that price anywhere else.

Bang for the buck you will not beat Tikka. Glassy smooth actions, match bbls, excellent triggers.