.308 is a great caliber. Many deer have fallen to that one my friend. You can't really go wrong with your list of rifles either. No one makes a bad rifle these day's ummmmm except the Remington 710. After days of restless nights I finally realized thereare twobig dif's between the major brands 1) the type of action and 2) the name brand. Other than that you can't go wrong. I like the mauser style action it seems strong to me. However, Remington has been very reliable with the 700 action. And Brownings A-bolt II with it's enclosed bolt sleve is very nice. Your right though. Choices choices choices. My wife told me yeasterday after I got home from the range she was scared I would pay $500 and hate it. But really you can't go wrong.