Good thread and lots of good info, my take for what it’s worth;
At this point you don’t know the dance you are going to or who it’s with so very difficult to dress perfectly for the occasion but easy to not stand out for the wrong reasons.
BC and big game covers just about every type of terrain, environmental condition, range and target size.
Also a factor (likely) is the group you are going with, most won’t give a care what you pack in either cartridge or rifle but some might so that may play a role (or not) but whatever it is be proficient with it.
So given a generous budget ($3500) you have tons of options so that’s a good thing.
Cartridges:
So many choices but stick to mainstream cartridges and consider recoil vs rifle weight. Lighter rifle lighter cartridge, heavier rifle heavier cartridge, within reason. Once decided buy 3 to 5 boxes of ammo and try them out, whatever shoots Best Buy 4 or 5 boxes of it and you will likely be set up for a long time. Depending on your cartridge you might want to go for a few different bullet weights so you could end up with two loads depending on the game you are hunting.
As to specifics no reason the short actions mentioned won’t work excellent but when I look in my safe while a few of them are in there I am far more likely to grab a long action. If cost and recoil is a thing stay with standard cartridges.
Rifle:
My preference is mixed, nothing like a blued and fancy wood rifle to accompany you on a clear crisp fall hunt with the smell of cottonwood’s and the crunch of leafs but the emotional toll of damaging the finish on that gun in the more likely hood of hunting in challenging conditions have made me appreciate stainless and various synthetics.
Personally I prefer detachable magazines but that’s my preference, the thing is though, with whatever you choose is it has to be 100% reliable to feed, quickly insert and stay retained. You do not have time to fiddle with anything when it’s go time…this is applicable to everything though.
I’m also not a huge fan of ultra light rifles but they do have their niche, however you don’t seem to be looking for a niche rifle.
I’m not a fan of muzzle devices on hunting rifles either; not a fan of the additional noise or the extra care required to keep them free of debris.
Scope:
I surprised the thread hasn’t been more focused on this as there is a huge amount of features, preferences, price points and brand loyalty.
Personally I’d say to go with a known manufacturer with a solid customer service reputation.
My preferences include capped turrets, a simple duplex reticle, SFP and 2.5 to 3x on the lower magnification. Field of view means more to me on the low end than how much I can zoom in on the top end.
Conclusion:
The new easy button:
Tikka T3X stainless in either synthetic or laminate in 30/06 with Burris Signature Zee rings (or Talley’s) and a Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44 however this could push your budget depending specifics and where you shop but this ticks every box solidly.
Solid used options:
Not usually hard to find an excellent condition, low round count Sako 85 Finnlight in 30/06 and a used VX5 to meet your budget. This is a very premium option in my opinion for any hunt, anywhere at anytime.
Stainless Weatherby Vanguards or stainless Howa’s in B&C stocks are fairly common, a tremendous value and are excellent rifles that are more than able to do the job year after year.
Lots of other options and cartridges that are great too but if possible shoulder it before you buy it because not all rifles ergonomically fit all shooters.
Good luck and happy shopping.
