To me, an AK is more difficult to aim accurately. This is separate from the inherent accuracy of the gun itself.
The cartridge is generally less effective for deer than a .30-30. A "perfect" hit will kill a deer, of course, but if you don't hit the heart or neck you have a wounded deer.
Overall, I'd suggest a traditional bolt-action rifle. For regular varmint hunting and occasional deer hunting, the .243 is excellent. There "ain't no flies" on a 7mm-08, for that matter. Or a .257 Roberts. But I'm partial to the .243, as you've described your interest.
I have found that a 2X7 or 3X9 scope works just fine for hunting, and I've killed deer to 350-450 yards; varmints to 250. The vast majority of all game I've taken has been well within 200 yards.
I've hunted at all hours
and have never found that huge scope lenses matter. The type of crosshair is more important. I'm partial to the Duplex design.
Do some thinking, and holler back in the Rifle Forum, okay?
Regards, Art