backwoodsbrian,
On one hand guns are something that we can desire and then, yes, possess them. They don't cost all that much, don't argue etc.
As to the rifle I am not a fan of Remington 700's for hunting. They have a so so safety that does not lock the bolt or the firing pin for that matter. The 700 has that tiny springy extractor and is only push feed. Its bolt handle is brazed on.
I much prefer the M70, R77-2 and Kimber designs for hunting. They all have good safeties, CRF and good extractors.
As to the cartridge choice do what you want. I would get the 300 WSM in a Kimber 8400.
