I like the Mod 70 reciever over all recievers, but the featherwieght can be finicky with factory ammo as alot of guns can. I reload for my best friend with a 270win feather mod 70 and the gun won't shoot factory ammo less than 3" groups. But will drive tacks with IMR 4064 and 130gr sierras.

As far as the caliber, pretty easy advise. Missouri as I know it has all kinds of terrain. If shooting open fields and have plenty of experience with centerfires, might want to look at WSM. If not plenty of experience, I think a 7mm-08 makes a great first rifle depending on your size.