Sensei,
I think that 15"Stainless 7mm-08 Encore barrel would be an excellent choice. A number of hunters around here believe that it is the perfect round for whitetail.
I shoot a Contender chambered for the 7-30 Waters and would think that my favorite bullets for it would perform even better with more zip the 7-08 offers. I use 100 grain Hornadys on ground hogs and 139 SSTs on whitetail. The 7mm-08 would give you more range and allow you to go after elk which I wouldn't do with 7-30. But I need to say that the Contender in 7-30 is perfect for my hunting needs.
I do feel your pain with deciding on a chambering. I wondered what I would do if I moved into an Encore. Deciding between a .243, .260, 7-08, .308 or 30-06 might make me crazy but it would be a fun way to loose one's mind. I guess I would just have to get one of each!
Blessings!
Shootnstr8