Doc for the most part autos arent as accurate, strong or reliable as most bolt guns. BUT you are talking about the BAR and it is hardly what I would call "most autos equal". I know of many BARs that shoot well under 1.5" @ 100yds. There was a time when they were MUCH more expensive than the average bolt action. But today you can get a BAR of any variety in the $650-$800 range. The average bolt gun isnt that much cheaper. Most guys buying Rugers, Abolts, CDLs etc are paying about the same.

The only negative is that you must keep the autos cleaner than your average bolt gun. The more moving parts something has the more chances you have for a mechanical mishap. But again we are talking about the BAR. For my money I would get the new BAR Long Trac in 7mag if I were you. That gun is extremely accurate and MAN it is so much lighter, considerably lighter than even the previous BAR lightweight.

But if it were me I personally would select a Short Trac in 300WSM and be DONE with it!
RA