I like the heavier rifles even when they do feel like a ton at the end of the day. For me weight is not the factor its being in shape. Standard rifles and heavier one's make for better shots in the field in my experience. When an offhand shot like a follow up shot is a must then the heavier rifle is more steady in my hands than a light one. But this is just my experiances and what works for me.

I would have to say a ruger, they have a nice 338 cal with a snythetic stock and you would have enough of your budget left to buy a good scope.

Id say go with a 7mm remington mag. It shoots flat, hits hard, and has a pretty good variety of factory loads available. As for the rifle, I like the Browning A-bolt composite hunter. Its cheap, has a matter finish that wont reflect out in the desert, and is fairly cheap, so you will still have money left over to buy a nice scope.

I would also consider a 257 Weatherby Magnum as long as you hunting deer and antelope.

I'd consider a 243 or a 6mm if you are just hunting mulies and lope. Use a premium bullet like the 95 or 100 grain partitions and i am sure u can bag either without much problem. Both are extremlly flat shootin. Especially the 6mm it is the most flat shooting non belted magnum. I sure do like mine.

.270 is a great gun for those critters. We consistently knock down elk without a problem with a .270 so power is not an issue. I have had one shot clean kills on antelope past 400 yards. Shoots very flat.

A 7mm or 270 With a synthetic stock. Here are some web sights:

www.remington.com
www.winchester.com
www.browning.com
www.weatherby.com

i had a remington model 7 in .243.. it had an 18.5 inch barrel... weighed less then a mt rifle...they still make the model 7 but i believe you can get WSM calibers now...