There’s nothing wrong with the good ol’ 06.
I’m in Pa as well, and have seen some of these bigger bears up close and personal. I’ve hunted with the 06, without issue. My pet caliber is 338wm. And I have a 35 whelen that’s awesome also.
If it was me, I’d dress that savage up in a nice stock, work with it to find it’s liking, which probably won’t be too difficult and hunt. My liking is the 180 Nosler partitions in an 06.
Pick your personal preference.
I will say this, in the back of my head, I always feel better when hunting with a mid bore.
Keep us posted.
