I'm currently building a rifle to fill a need about what you are doing. I'm using a surgeon action. Went with a kriger #5 contour 1:9 twist. I'm going to have it cut to 20.5" I plan to use a can some. And the caliber I chose was 7mm-08 imp. Good balance and the increased velocity will help counteract the shorter tube. Hoping to get an honest 3100 fps with 140gn barnes ttsx. I'll have a lighter weight rifle I can pack on high country mule deer hunts or go shoot I'm comp style matches (purely for fun) going with a McMillan gamescout stock. (Last part I need to send it to smith) should have it in late march or April. With the glass and rings I hope it comes in under 9lbs sans suppressor.