shopping for a new bolt action rifle need help

[loose noose]

Socal, your last post you were inquiring about ammo choice, personally I would go with the .243 over a .223 if I were to have but one rifle. Simply because you can legally and ethically use the .243 for deer, as well as a varmint rifle. The ammo is fairly reasonable if you don't reload, say from Midway Shooters Supply. The .243 is not all that particular about the brand of ammo you decide to use in it, most will shoot 3 shot groups in or under moa at least out to 300+ yards.

 

[Fremmer]

Remington 700 SPS in .308 Winchester with a heavier barrel. That's what I'd get, but I'd also look at the CDL because they are so purdy.
The 168 grain .308s are amazingly accurate. Used to be a .30-06 guy, but I'll probably never leave the .308 family now. They put deer down hard, too.