Thanks for all the input guys, I'm zeroing in on a firm blueprint:
Remington 700 short action, .473" bolt face Badger M5 bottom metal EGW 20MOA base Burris Signature 30mm rings Jewell trigger McMillan Edge stock, Compact Edge pattern Barrel contour to be determined Scope to be determined, though likely a Leupold with M1 adjustments.
Caliber is still up in the air; I lean .308 because of the profusion of good loads, but the 6mm's and 6.5mm's give great ballistics with less recoil and a bit less powder. Decisions, decisions...