I too was thinking the .300, and no I don't hand load. Just picked up the 243 savage package for a buddy and I think it's pretty nice for under 500. I am going to shoot a 300 rum of my freinds to checkout recoil, but I'm not target shooting so I think I'll be alright. After all I can put 20-30 down my .270 at the range in a tee-shirt with out flinching.
Thanks.