IMHO, Screw the Ruger, look at aRemington if you're ever going to dream of competingwith an A-Bolt. I havea Remington 673 in .308, andlots of times, it's more accuratethan my dad's A-Bolt 7mm Rem Magwith the BOSS system on it.

I have never owned a Model 700, but the 673is pretty much a higher-end Model 7, which is also an excellentrifle.

Forwhere I live in TN, .30 cal beats .277, because it's lots of times shotsunder 80yards, but you do get 100 yards shots, too, in which I would still have a .30 cal over a .277.

But honestly, I think you've already made an investment for a deer rifle already, so if you want a new rifle to hunt big game, get a .300 Win. Mag or something, or look into getting a great quality turkey shotgun, or a bow.