I agree with the assessment of the Savage, their quality is comparable to other more pricy firearms. The bolt is always going to be more accurate and a thumbhole will just give you more stability. If you want anything further than 200-225 I would go with a muzzleloader. I can go up to 300 on...
I am trying to do my first elk hunt in Colorado this fall. I have so many opinions about moving up to 180 grain on my 300 asm because the 150 won't cut it. I hunt mainly whitetail here in Michigan. I was thinking of splitting the difference and going with Federals new trophy 165 grain...