ORIGINAL: Dixie Rebel
I love Ruger rifles!!!!
I suggest you get a new Ruger M-77 Hawkeye with a stainless action/synthetic stock.
As for cartridges, I suggest them in this order:
2.280 Rem
5.7mm-08
Ditto. Although I personally like 25-06 for a chambering, I've been dying to get into a .280 and that would likely suit you better if you want to get into elk or bear. Heard many many good things about 7mm-08. Same with 6.5x55.