HBK,
Let me take a stab at a reply based on the information you've given so far.
You want a rifle that will serve the self defense function ranging from burglar to PHTF. So we're talking about a magazine-fed rifle, the magazines for which will hold at least 20 rounds each.
You want a rifle that is suitable for hunting deer and bear. At what ranges, we don't know yet, but weight is a consideration if you have to lug it around all day in the woods.
You've rightly ruled out the .223. There are numerous calibers that would fill the bill for your hunting needs, but only one caliber that would fill the bill for your defensive needs AND your hunting needs, and that's the 7.62 NATO round. Should the PHTF, you may not be able to rely on your personal ammo stores and my have to use "borrowed" or captured ammo. Any such enemy won't be using the .260 Remington or the .270 Winchester rounds.
So we're looking at .308 battle rifles, of which there are a few to choose from. If you don't already have it, invest in your own copy of
Boston's Gun Bible before you make this purchase. Your choices are the AR10, the HK91/G3/CETME, the FAL, the M1A, and the Saiga/VEPR AK-style variants.
If your requirement was solely for defense purposes, I'd recommend the FAL because of its ubiquitous parts availability, plethora of accessories, and inexpensive build kits and magazines, but it's not the best rifle for hunting (less-than-ideal sights) unless you add a scope, thus making an already heavy rifle heavier.
If money is no object, I'd recommend the Springfield Armory M1A Scout/Squad rifle with a synthetic stock. With its 18" barrel and synthetic stock, it's lighter and handier than the FAL. The downside is that magazines are expensive (Cole's Distributing has the best mags at the best prices). You'll suffer no noticeable loss in accuracy over the 22" barrel M1A out to 500 yards.
If you're on a budget, I'd recommend looking at the Saiga and VEPR offerings in .308.
Robinson Armament offers a good number of VEPR variants.
Krebs Custom can modify your VEPR or Saiga to take 20-round M1A magazines at a later date.