There is a difference between something that will work, and what would work best. The 870, 500 and H&R's will all work and will work well for the money. But there are better. If money is no object get a tarhunt or look for a used browning bolt action.

After that I would look at the Savage bolt action, or if you want a pump look at the Browning BPS line with a rifled cantilever barrel. That Encore looks pretty decent as well. These guns come with better barrels that have faster twist rates and might work better with the newer ammo choices. They will also have better triggers in most cases. You will probably be looking at almost twice the money as your average slug set up though.

Ithaca's are nice guns as well.

Paul