Which mid-caliber, which rifle?

Thanks for all of the input

One thing that I did not emphasize enough was that I want a lighter rifle than my 30-06, which is over 8 lbs with scope.
 
I have two 30-06's, a 30-30, a .270, a 6.5x55, two .243's and two .223's(AR). I hunt with my 6.5x55 75% of the time and my .270 15% of the time. My 6.5x55 is a CZ and would not work within your weight parameters. Don't own one but I know a bunch of people love Tikka, they are light, and come in many calibers including 6.5x55.
 
I am looking to spend between $800 to $1200 for just the rifle.
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I was in your position a few years back. Had a 223 and a 30-06 and wanted a 'tweener. I'd decided 260 was just about perfect. Problem was the ammo was scarce as silver bullets and twice as expensive. So, I started looking at 25-06 and 243. The rifle I ended up wanting (Winchester M70 featherweight) wasn't made in 25-06, but was in 243, so that decided for me.

I have absolutely zero complaints on either the cartridge or the rifle.
 
I have a yearning to own a 243 in Winchesters new Feather weight. I would be using the excuse to buy it for my sons first rifle. He is only 5 years old now but there is something about that rifle/caliber combo that screams perfect 1st deer rifle.
 
I have to go along with several other posts and recommend the .25-06, it is an ideal cartridge for deer-size game. I have one, a Howa 1500, but that rifle is probably too heavy for your liking.

It also seems that you are leaning in the direction of a short action rifle, which will lighten up the weight a bit since they usually have shorter barrels and may be available in compact stocks.

So with that in mind, and knowing that you don't reload, (you should, it would really open up some options) I recommend in this order: .243 win or 7mm-08. Most other short action cartridges under .308 bore dia. are going to be a little harder to find ammo for.

As for the rifle, a Winchester featherweight, Savage 11 lightweight hunter or older remington model 7 are good rifles, among others
 
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