Thanks for all of the feedback everyone. It was really helpful. I settled on a riffle and purchased the Savage model 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor. For an optic I went with the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50. I'm really happy with the setup and can't wait to take it out and enjoy it. The more I learned about the 6.5 Creedmoor the more I realized it was right up my ally for what I was looking to do with my rifle.