If you are more familar with the AR the DPMS would be a good rifle for you. My friend has a DPMS LR .308 24" and it is very accurate. The new DPMS AP4 looks, and feels great but I have yet to shoot it.
The .308 AR is the only .308 that I don't own. I have HK91s FALs and one Springfield M1A.
The M1A is ok, long heavy and makes a better bench/range rifle then a hunting rifle.
The FAL is great, light weight and mags are cheap. My 16" DSA FAL is not as accurate as the M1a or HK91 but it is plenty good for deer hunting.
The HK91 is by far my favorite .308 semi auto. It is heavy, but it works 100% and with a good trigger it is MOA or better. The HK91 has been my #1 deer rifle for the past 11 years.
My advice is go to the gun store and handle a M1A, FAL, HK91 and a DPMS AP4. See which best fits you before you buy. And if you could find a friend that has a .308 rifle and shoot it.
I had a friend who was looking to buy his first .308 rifle for hunting. I let him shoot my .308 rifles but he went out and bought a Armalite AR10 16" because he was use to the M16 action he used in the service.
If your budget is $1,300 the DSA FAL or DPMS AP4 or PTR 91 would be the way to go.
Chris