I had a simular problem,I wanted a rifle mainly for range use but something that I could also take on the occasional hunt.

I ended up with a tikka continental in 7mm-08,so far i' ve put about 400 rounds through it at the range & I am extremely impressed,it has perfect balance,the detach mag is a dream to use & it feeds so well,its light enough to take hunting & the quality is very good.

I also looked at the tikka sporter but i' m glad I got the normal stocked one,its cheaper & lighter than the sporter the stock being the only difference.

My 7mm-08 is extremely accurate out to atleast 500 yards,it has the same trigger as a friends sako 75,cleaning is a breeze with no copper fowling at all & i' m sure the quality of the barrel would be a long way ahead of the savage.

Check out the tikka continental heavy barrel,one in 308 or 7mm-08 would be ideal for you & money well spent.

Good luck