Have you considered the Remington model 740 in .30-06 (or .308)? A great rifle, and the recoil is light. On the used market, they are a great deal. I'd go with the .30-06, A much better all around cartridge, and like the .308, you can load it however you want.

Although autos are generally heavy, the 740 isn't too bad, especially in the .308.

Just my $.02. Good luck.