308 bolt guns

I had a Kimber .308 and it was a great little gun accurate and smooth. But now I have a 300 ultra mag and ill never go back

The ultra mag is far superior than the .308 and is an absolute monster. Moose elk grizzly bears etc have all fallen victim

 

Here's another option, http://ruger.com/products/americanRifleRedfield/models.html I have shot neither this or the one you mentioned. I really like this one: http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/specSheets/6803.html but by the time you add your scope it would be outside your listed budget.
While the various flavors of 300 magnum are great for large game, I feel they are too much for smaller deer, etc while the 308 is a superb all-around caliber. Not quite as good for grizzlies and the like but capable, and won't blow a small deer to smithereens. Works well to at least 1000 yards which is farther than most any normal hunting shot you will make.

 

Savage has a decent chassis and trigger or the tried and true Remington 700

I would even recommend a winchester shadow series.

 

I also have a custom remington 700... Second favorite and tried and true X2^^

 

I have a win model 70 featherweight in 308 and love it. I am in the process of building a 1,000 yd 243 right now tho. I dont know how ammo is over there, but in the intermountain west 308 isnt any more readily available than the other hunting calibers, i.e. 7mm, 243, 270, etc. Most manufacturers put out a decent base rifle for about 400-450 $. I would go that route and put money into optic, rings, and a true smith setting the optic on the rifle so you know its dead nuts on.

ETA: the 243 im building is on a savage

 

X2 on the Savage. It fires great right out of the box and I would highly recommend a hinged floor plate instead of the mag. They are a reasonable price so I was able to spend extra on my sight.

 

Spend money on good glass. I loved my leupold vx-ii

 

My mod.70 270wsm was a beast, but odd and expensive.

 

Places like armslist and slickguns could net you a nice rig for cheap. Or local gun pages, fb ,forums etc

 

Different beast. You're going for range, you'll want not good but great glass.

 

This^

Steel vs? You hunting right? What distances? Day break? Sun down? Makes a difference with ok, good, and better optics.

I'll suggest vortex for cheaper options. Also primary arms. Or some used glass too.

 

I'm a fan of the Winchester model 70 featherweight. Also, as previously suggested, the vortex scopes will keep you around 300 for a quality scope (and a lifetime warranty).

 

This is a great place to start and will let you do EXTENTSIVE research! I have been eyeballing the new ruger prescision rifle link below

http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/


http://www.scout.com/military/snipers-hide/story/1573179-face-off-ai-ax-vs-ruger-precision-rifle

that should get you started

 

I wncourage you to shoulder every rifle in every store in town. All mass produced rifle stocks are built for average size shooters. I think you want to find the one that fits you the best.

I am 5 10, 180. Every rifle I tried in the store was close. I found one that fit so good I was done looking. If your upper arm bone is 2mm longer than mine it will probably be a different make and model that leaps to your shoulder wih you only thinking the thought and not making any concious action.

That one is your rifle. If you are only going to the range in sunny dry weather you can certainly start with a less expensive scope.

 

Jeff look into a Tikka T3. Excellent rifles that run well under $700 (LGS up near me have them on sale right now for $500 which is an amazing price) that are well known for their quality and accuracy.