I am in agreement with the 308 Winchester. I started with a Remington model 600 Mohawk in 308 with a Leupold 3 X 9.

For the past several years I have used a 22” 308 Win barrel on an Encore frame with a Leupold 3 X 9 VX-R with firedot reticle. It’s a great rifle to carry in the woods almost a perfect setup.