RE: Right gun for the price?
I don't have one as of now, but my next rifle will probably be a Savage for two reasons.
1. I am a lefty and they offer more lefy models than anyone else.
2. Because from the ones I've seen and all the stuff I have read, they simply can not be beat for price
vs. accuracy.
As for calibers. You are going to get A LOT of different opinions.
There are some who think you have to have a .50 caliber for a deer. Then there are some who think that shooting a tooth pick sized piece of lead will get the job done.
As for me, I like to keep it simple. .270Win or .308win. Two of the most popular calibers of all time which will give you a few advantages. Ammo is easy to find. Ammo is cheaper.
Or if the 30-06' has worked for you for so many years. Why change calibers? Buy a new 06'.