Savage 110 build

Hey folks, it has been many moons since I have signed on here, so long in fact, I'm probably not even the same person I was the last time I signed on. Anyhow, my interests have changed a bit and while I am still a "hunter" (i use that term loosely since most of my hunting is just eradicating deer from my farm) I am now very interested in long-er range shooting. I live in the thick appalachian mountains, so, not many opportunities to shoot VERY long range, but, I want to start trying. I've gotten the bug so to speak. My little built .223 Ruger American fulfills the immediate need for punching holes but I am looking to go further and do a little more than the .223 will allow.

Anyhow, I'm picking up a used .30-06 savage 110 later, and while .30-06 is my go to hunting round and I know it is a capable long-range hole puncher, it is honestly too hard on the shoulder to be enjoyable. Not that I'm exactly "recoil sensitive" but after a box of them it just isn't pleasant anymore, I didn't figure that out until I built this .223 and actually enjoy going out to shoot again. So, this is a "long action" savage 110 set up for .30-06. I am looking to rebarrel and probably put a new stock on it as well as some trigger work. Might do a little cosmetic stuff, but I'm looking to keep it affordable, while being able to reach out. Primarily punching paper, although, I also want to keep the caliber "useful" at longer ranges if I ever did want to say, take a coyote in the distance (unlikely). Lets say 600 yards with the ability to "play around" with 1,000 yards should the chance (meaning range) present itself.

I do NOT reload although I understand I should start, for now lets just say that I don't plan to. I live in an area where "odd" ammo is impractical to find and long range calibers are rare ( I sold a .300 win mag because of no local ammo availability). So, I have a couple questions to start with.

1. Right now I am thinking about either .243 or .308 (.308 is the max recoil I want). Is there something else I am not thinking about that may be better and will use the same bolt as the .30-06 with no more mods than just a rebarrel?

2. I've seen threads on .30-06 to .308 builds several times, but I don't recall seeing one on .30-06 to .243, is there anything wrong with this that I'm not understanding? Feeding issues?

While I appreciate all commentary, I used to really like this site for the politeness and well informed opinions, I would love to hear from folks who have built savage long action rifles into short action paper punchers.

Thanks!

Not sure, supposed to pick it up today, still haven't heard from the fella. I was curious about that internal mag feeding and what would be required to make it jive with some other round. I'm a skilled mechanic and somewhat skilled fabricator, so I'm not too worried about figuring it out. I like the thought of the 6.5 creedmoor, but, ammo availability is an issue for me locally, hence me trying to keep it somewhat "normal". I'm really leaning towards a nice .243 barrel at this point, but haven't quite made up my mind yet.

well, poo, haven't heard from him yet and it's nearly 7 pm, not going out this evening for it even if he hasn't changed his mind on the deal.... I hope it is just a case of having to work late and not a case of dodging my phone calls.

Thanks for all the advice folks.... So, no savage for me, at least not right now. The guy just fell off the face of well, facebook haha... I am betting he did not write down my phone number and got banned for posting the ad since he hasn't replied to any messages or even seen the messages I have sent. So, moving forward, I bought two new to me remington 700's :-D I got a .223 to take the place of the abysmal and disappointing ruger american rifle I have and a .308 for some longer range stuff.... I may do a remage barrel for the .308 and turn it into something else, but for now I'm getting the .223 tuned up. First ammo I tried (pmc bronze 55 grain) outshot EVERYTHING I have tried in the ruger. Sad, I spent a good deal of time and money trying to make the ruger shoot, but it never would.

Anyhow.... happy dance :-D I suspect I'll have the .223 all tuned up this weekend and start playing with the .308 next week, lets hope it likes cheap ammo too!