K, how do you like the R-15 in .243?  That seems like a good combo to me. 
Sumo,
I like it very much. It's my go to coyote gun.  With moderate distance and good shot placement, I assume it will take a deer with ease.  As a home defense rifle, while a little heavy and long, I think that it would do well.
I can shoot 3/4 inch groups with 58gr hornady v-max.  It can probably do better.  I think my smallest group is under 1/2 and inch.  It's topped with a bushnell 6500 elite 4.5 x 30 mil dot scope.  
There's not much I can't do with it.  I shoot is so often that it feels like an extension of me.