I started with a .308 Win and couldn't be happier with my choice. It's a great all around bullet that will do everything you want it to do (within reason). And it's cheap and easy to reload.
Savage 10 With the factory heavy barrel. Mcmillan A4 stock and your pick of mid th high end scope. I've placed well here and there at matches with this setup.
I'm at work right now, so I'll post pics later.
Savage 111 Long Range Hunter 300 Win Mag
Nightforce 5.5-22
XLR chassis (for sale BTW)
First round hits to 1275.
I had the same problem with my AI 300WM mags untill I ajusted the feed lips a bit. I bend the front half of the lips up slighty, and I never had the problem again.