Few years back a buddy bought one of Savage's package rifles in 300 wm. Blued barrel, syn stock, really nothing special. With very basic load work up it was shooting better @ 1k than you would believe. It wasn't a heavy gun by any means and recoil was certainly there but not unmanageable by any means. He still lives out in WY and has dropped a number of mulies and elk with it. Even shot a coyote one time, if you've ever seen a coyote shot head on in the chest with a 300 wm you know its a trick of physics.

Honestly if it were me I'd look at a 110/200, don't think you can beat them for an accurate, dependable, well handling hunting rifle.