Best 308 for $600'ish?

[mongoslow]

look at the Ruger American Gen II , 20" threaded barrel and it's ceracoated AICS 3 shot mag, so you can buy extra mags from Magpul for not ridiculous $$$

 

[mshootnit]

look at the Ruger American Gen II , 20" threaded barrel and it's ceracoated AICS 3 shot mag, so you can buy extra mags from Magpul for not ridiculous $$$

That sounds tough to beat. There is a new Sako 90 I really like, but way over $600

 

[bigpower491]

If yaint made the plunge yet, I see those lovely Weatherby Vanguard synthetics in 308 for 560 on the broker. Stop into your local and see what they'll order you 1. Those usually come as a compact a 20" barrel. Although I'm not really a fan of plastic stocks, the one on my Vanguard is pretty good.
One of the things I really like about them is the metal floor plate. I like a fixed mag in a hunting rifle, and I am not a fan of the cheesy plastic detachable that come on most other rifles in that price range. The Vanguard is on the upper end of the budget rifle price range, but you really get a quality piece for just a few dollars more.