Many others on here with more experience will chime in. I will say this, however, don't overthink it. Just get any Savage short action as a starting point. Doesn't matter if it's a 10,11, or 12 action. You base everything else off the action so it's a good 1st item to purchase. $600 is a lot, although you can sell off the barrel and the stock. Also, I would buy an after-market barrel and not use the factory barrel. Look into Shilen and CBI (Criterion). There are others but those are what I know. $2500 can build a GREAT Savage. I think I'm into mine less than $1,000 and it rings steel at 1100 yards no problem and capable of farther. With a $2500 budget you'll have money left over to have the action timed and trued. Hope this helps.
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