Since I purchased my rifle in December with almost the exact parameters you mention, my choice was a Winchester Model 70 Super Shadow in .270WSM. Loaded down to .270 Win levels, its' recoil is very tolerable with 130 gr. bullets, yet has the capacity to push a 140 gr Nosler Accubond bullet over 3100 fps for elk and even moose. I realize the .277 bullet is a little over the limit for small calibers, and if constrained by that, I would opt for a 6.5x57 Mauser, preferably an Ackley improved version with minimum body taper and full 40� shoulder. Thankfully, my .270wsm has factory ammo available, and was a lot cheaper to acquire.

7x57 hands down.

Speer hot core 130's for deer,and Grand Slam 160,s for everything else.

Mike