If you reload, then a 260 rebarrel of your Axis would be the cheapest and most logical step. In my experience, the 260 has less recoil than the .308 and better down range energy because of the wide selection of high BC bullets that are available. A Savage SA CF action with Accutrigger is nice because of a wider selection of aftermarket parts and stocks. So your strategy with the Hog Hunter may be a viable option.
I beleive a better option would be to buy a Savage 11 Trophy Hunter XP in .260. It has a Savage factory 260 sporter, 22", 8 twist barrel. It will most likely be as accurate as a 260 aftermarket barrel. It just won't clean up as quickly. Bud's Gun Shop has them listed for $477.00. Sell the Nikon BDC scope as a new take-of on Ebay ($90-$100). If the factory 260 barrel does not shoot to your liking, then you can easily sell and replace it with a custom barrel. Right now Savage .260 sporter barrels are in demand and hard to find. The Savage SA CF used on the Trophy Hunter and Hog Hunter are basically the same.
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