Thanks for the advice all. A Montana does probably make the most sense given the requirements I have set forth but 100% of the Montana's I have owned would not shoot (1 to be exact in .257 Roberts) and it left a bad taste in my mouth. If I go the route of the SPS it will get cut to 21" or 22" which should fit my needs well.
Unfortunately the budget for the rifle will be what I can sell the current rifle for and that is all. Or what I can sell the barrel and stock for to rebarrel the action, that probably won't cover the work needed to make this work. I will be keeping my eye on the classifieds, who knows someone may be looking to trade for the .308...
Thanks,
Nick
