RE: Hunting rifle
I recently bought a Mossberg ATR 100 rifle in .270 (it is also available in .30-06) at Wal-Mart for $244. It shoots 1.25-1.5" groups off a bench for me with factory ammo (no dies yet to reload .270) and is light, balanced well, and comes with bases for mounting a scope. I mounted a Leupold Vari-X III that I already owned on it with Warne rings. I am quite happy with it.
FWIW, I also saw a Winchester model 70 package at Wal-Mart (in .30-06) for $300, including the scope. I would go for that if I didn't already own good glass.