.257 Weatherby! I don't own one, but from what I read you want one, and Remington now loads this cartridge in one of their rifles! Spend the money and get a weatherby, I have a Weatherby Mark V in the Fibermark, .340, it's gorgeous, way nicer than the synthetic, course weatherby also has their vanguard line with sub MOA groups for cheaper.

.270 Win. has always been known to be a tack driver, own a browning bar that shoots holes that touchat 100yds, not bad for a semi auto!

Sounds like you may only hunt out to 200 yds or so, but shoot at the range out to 600yds? Either way I'd get something I could use if I went out west etc...

7mm-08 I'd take over the .308, esp if you're talking coyotes, and at those long ranges would be much flatter than the .308

Really there are just so many options.

.243 win, .257 wby, .270 Win not WSM, 7mm-08

300 win mag hands down. If you don't mind the little bit of extra weight, then get the Rem 700 PSS. THEY USED to be in that price range, and I think that they are still close, but not 100% sure. As far as accuracy, minute of Prairie dog at 700 sounds like the ticket to me. Have shot dogs at that range with one in SD a few years back. Then, all you need is the scope. For about 400 or less, I suggest the Nikon Buckmaster 4 x 14.5 x 50. Clear, affordable, dependable. Enough said.

Good Luck

Second the .308 and 300 win mag. Look at the guns that are shot at camp perry, they are long range rifles! Make sure to get a Zeiss with a Z600, 800, or 1000 reticle

I agree with the 300 win mag. I would go with the Remington Sendaro and shoot 190 grain Sierra Match Kings. That will still have about 1500 Ft Lbs of energy at 600 yards which is more than enough to kill a whitetail. Your bullet is going to drop close to 80" at that range so hold over is almost out of the question. Also Savage has their new bench rest gun on the market and they retail for around 1K. Wouldn't make much of a carry gun but man I believe one of those in a 6.5-284 would be the ticket for the $$ invested.