1:8
No downside to the faster twist for a hunting rifle.
As for barrel maker:
You should narrow your choices first.
Do you want a chrome moly barrel (i.e. for bluing) or a stainless barrel? Not all makers make chrome moly barrels.
Do you want a specific contour? Several makers, i.e. Krieger, will not make a skinny or standard weight stainless barrel.
Do you have a preference for cut rifled vs button rifled?
Do you have a preference for a barrel maker from a particular part of the country?
Do you have a specific timeline, i.e. less than 6 months?
Do you have a gunsmith, or do you want the barrel maker to install the barrel?
Once you start answering these questions for yourself, you start whittling down barrel makers.
