I think many smiths use the Rem. action is because it is easy to bed, true up, and make accurate therefore it may be cheaper to use the Rem. (less work/time to do the job). Any quality action can be used provided the smith agrees. I would go with a stainless Rem. action in a standard caliber(3006, 280, 270, 308,7mm08, etc) because I don't like odd stuff and ammo is more readily available and cheaper assuming you use factory stuff. Then I'd have a good barrel from any one of the top makers put on and properly bedded in a quality stock. I'd then mount a high quality low power scope and be ready for action. By low power scope I mean no more than a 3.5x10x40 and that's big in my book. There is simply no need for high mag. and huge lenses in a hunting scope. They are heavy,large and overkill for deer hunting. Just my .02