I will assume that this thread is related to the ".308 vs. .30-06" thread. Considering that, and that you want to hunt, I'd suggest the lightest combo you can get... I own or have owned a Savage 111, a 116, and a 12BVSS. In your case, if you're mainly planning on using the rifle for hunting, go with a standard barrel contour, short action (if it will fit your cartridge choice), and a synthetic stock. Determine your barrel length by the flora where you hunt. Lots of thickets? Get a shorter barrel. Someone said that you'll get about 200 fps per inch of barrel (up to a point, of course), so having a 20" .30-06 barrel might equate to a 22-23" .308 in fps...so include that in your decision.
Now IF you're planning on doing more target shooting with the rifle, where the barrel may heat up more, that's when the heavier barrel will come into play. I am certainly not an expert, but the rifles that I have owned have not shown me that a fat barrel makes a more accurate rifle...it just allows you to shoot longer (not a consideration if you're hunting).
