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As well as I understand 7mm cartridges, I think that a 140 grain cartridge would be fine for deer and antelope. I don't think you will have any problem finding suitable ammunition, but, of course, there will always be more selection for 270 and 30-06 than any other caliber.
The 308/7mm-08/243 cases do hold less powder than the 270/30-06 cases do. As the bore diameter gets smaller, the amount of powder that the cartridge can efficiently use goes down. The 7mm bullet is a very good match to that case size. Recoil will be less than you would experience with the larger cases, though probably not hugely less than the 270.
You might want to compare specs on the muzzle speed of a 7mm-08 with a 140 grain bullet, vs. that of a 270 with a 140 grainer. The bullets are almost the same diameter, and there really isn't a ton of difference between what they deliver.
Spend plenty of time handling different guns at the store. Work the actions. The gun that wants you for an owner will eventually speak to you. (The problem is that more than one may speak at once!)
Heed Dutch's advice on the recoil pad. You, of all people, are not out to prove how manly you are by showing how much recoil you can take. This is supposed to be fun.
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