First off in case you don't know already, I appreciate the critique and the options.
I think I have seen the light regarding the palma contour, will probably go to the medium weight contour. The extra length will be awkward in the field, but the loss of weight will balance for that and the extra velocity will be awesome. So your idea makes lots of sense.
For the longest time I was dead set on 6.5 x 284, but I never really like the 140(ish) gr limit. I have considered the 30 cal class but in order to reach all the way out there 300 win is the ticket and I am not sure how easily 30-60 shots will be for a 160# guy to absorb without a flinch or shooter fatigue by the end of a course. At the 215 and up bullet weight I think that recoil penalty is going to be a limiting factor for me.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/201 ... -analysis/ a summation of my thought. There are other 7mm heavy high BC manufacturers, but you are correct, not as many as in .30. I still have MONTHS before anyone is cutting a chamber, but I do want to figure out the basics. Thank you for your knowledge in this arena.
6BR, 6xc or the like would be the way to go if I didn't want it to be a dual use gun. But, I want hunting capability as well as tack driver and I may well play some of the tactical / prone courses so it can't be a 22# gun for either of those, see the weight of the driver.
I have an email in to Russo. Those are some nice looking stocks. I like the laminate ones. Thanks for that tip too.