sounds to me like you need a 243 winchester. this is a coyote and deer killing machine! when used with the proper bullets there couldn't be a better gun for what you want!

as for the gun itself i can't help you much there i always get the skinny barreled lightweight guns. however you can look at these sites and get a better idea to what you want
savagearms.com
remington.com
ruger-firearms.com
cz-usa.com
browning.com
sako.com
winchester.com

all of these companys make good rifles. the savage is prob. going to be the cheapest and will prob. shoot the best but let me be the first to tell you it isn't a pretty looking gun

remington has been putting out good guns year after year. i like there model 7 the best. all the 700's are good rifles. however the 710 is a peice of junk don't even look at it or it might break.

ruger makes good guns and they come in about every caliber. however you only need the 243 this also has the 3 position safty like a winchester

i have been hearing good things about the CZ's however the safty is backwards and the bolt throw can hit a larger scope.

browning has been making good guns and still are nice small bolt throw. well crafted rifles

sako is a great gun but it will cost you a pretty penny however on that site you can go to tikka rifles these are made by sako and are very good at about half the price.

winchester makes nice rifles and people either love them or hate them. i have a winchester featherweight classic in 243 and love it! it has a 3 position safty that is REALLY nice to have smooth action and easy handling.

i don't have much experince on each and every brand and this is just a basic run down however the ones that intrest you others on this board and myself will be more the happy to tell you every thing we know on the rifle/caliber

good luck!