I had to see what others recommended.
I live in the west and have gotten shots at various game out to 500+ yards with very good results. I am very confident in my ability to shoot that far and further. I am also pretty much immune to recoil, although I have found some very large calibers unpleasant to shoot more than 2 or 3 rounds threw. In an average year I shoot upwards of fifty rounds per week, July-September at various ranges in preparation for the fall/winter hunting I do. After the general seasons where 1 or 2 rounds are fired, I go to predator hunting where any number of rounds may be fired each trip out. (I do reload for everything I shoot except shotgun.)
Much depends on what your perception of range, recoil and what your abilities are/will be.
Calibers of choice run from .25 threw .30. The later will be deemed by many as extreme, I prefer the .284's (7mm), but all will do the job if you do your part. Don't buy a magnum, (I love 'em, have 3 that I shoot often, 7mm STW, 300 Win. and .338 Win) you don't need them, many non-magnums will do everything those magnums will do, just a few milliseconds slower and the delivered energy difference is minimal. Don't think that a .25 caliber or a short 7mm is going to be easier on the shoulder, it doesn't work that way. More powder normally equates to more recoil, there are exceptions, a good muzzle brake on any rifle is a plus.
The best advise I can give, buy a caliber that is common and ammo is readily available across the counter, (assuming you don't reload) and a rifle scope combo that you can afford and carry all day without tiring you out.
At the present time and after reading an article in a magazine, I would oft for a new Savage Edge XP
18934 25-06 REM 1 in 10" 22" 43.875" 6.5 lbs
18935 270 WIN 1 in 10" 22" 43.875" 6.5 lbs
18936 30-06 SPFLD 1 in 10" 22" 43.875" 6.5 lbs
18933 308 WIN 1 in 10" 22" 43.875" 6.5 lbs
These are combos with a 3-9x40mm scope. All have a 4 round capacity detachable magazine. I excluded the 7mm-08 due to the 1 in 11.5" twist that is not conducive to heavier bullets which you may want to use at some point in time. The only bad thing I read about this rifle was the trigger pull weight. This may or may not be an issue with a new rifle shooter. You can visit the Savage sight at this URL
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/featured/
You can also pickup a copy of Rifle Shooter Magazine and read the article.
I also like the Browning A-bolt (have 3), Remington 700 BDL (have 4 even though they aren't equipped with a detachable magazine), and others thiat include 3 custom Mausers.
I have owned in excess of 200 bolt rifles in the last 40 years, I am not an expert, but want those beginning now to get the most for their money and time spent afield.
Ray
Let us know what you decide on.
