If you're planning to hunt both deer and small game with it, I'd expect you'd want something no smaller than a .243. But if that's the case, you'll probably have to plan on taking the heads off your rabbits and grouse.
The Savage 99 was made in both .243 and .250 which are cartridges that would do the job. The BLR has been available in .243 and .257 Roberts. I believe that the Winchester 88 was available in .243 as well.