So, shooting out to a 1000 yards, you say not for hunting so I assume some type of competition? I see you're in Western PA. if you're interested in competition the discipline will somewhat dictate the weight of the rifle. Most are based on light gun, 17lb's and under, and Heavy gun anything over 17lb's. There are some variations to that rule also. Ridgway 1000 yard silhouette call a light gun 12lb's and less and heavy is up to 17lbs. SouthFork calls a light gun 12lbs and less and heavy up to 20lbs.

With a budget like you're talking about you can do a build with a nice custom action and some real good glass. you'll be pushing the 4K$ limit but it's doable. Glass will be the determining factor, Used NightForce BR's can be found for $1000 or a little less, a Comp leupold can be found in the $700 range. A real nice find would be a Nightforce 15-55, the 2013 models can be had for $1600 if you're not in a hurry, keep watching classifieds.

6 Dashers and 300WSM's seem to be the dominate cases used in 1000 yard comps. of course there are many others being used, the 6BRA is gaining a lot of popularity. A strait 6BR is an excellent choice, barrel life is great and it has enough umph to knock down the steel at Ridgway. Although sometimes a coyote takes a mid to high hit to be have reliable knockdowns. The WSM is fun and hammers all the steel at all distances but recoil is a factor when trying to see impact, it's doable and I've been very successful with it but my Dasher usually get the nod at Ridgway. Paper at the shorter distances, like the local ground hog matches, 6BR is hard to beat, but once again that big 30 makes nice sized holes for seeing and making a quick follow up shot.

If i had to choose one, do all, mid to long range comp cartridge, i'd give the nod to the Dasher, not as good of barrel life as a 6BR or WSM, but it has enough power for steel and has proven itself time and time again on paper. And, it's considerably cheaper to shoot than the 30's.

The attached photo is a 17lb Dasher with a Tuner.