As I'm reading your post, I'm thinking 308. After I'm done reading your post, I'm thinking 308. The 308 isn't a sexy round as some newer stuff, but it's inexpensive to shoot, shoots very good, and lots of bullet choices. If you wanted something a little more exotic, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a good option. I have been hunting with a 300 blk out bolt gun out to 300 yards with no problem the last few years. Last day of my season I shot a crow at a lasered 245 yards, and dropped it with my 125 grain Hornady SST ammo.

The caliber choices are plentiful, and each person will have their own favorites. Do what I do, and work your problem/question backwards. Start with a rifle platform or bullet you want to shoot. Then, how fast do you want to push that bullet will determine the case used. Do you want a short action or long action rifle? Once you answer these questions, that will narrow down the choices.

Serious question here: Do you really hunt suppressed in the sense that you use subsonic ammunition? I have a hard time killing jack rabbits when hunting suppressed (subs).

Otherwise if your meaning that you are looking to suppress a supersonic load then that would make it easier to provide you with options/opinions.

There have been some super good deals on 6.5mm projectiles over the last year, if it were me and I was looking for something that delivers high energy at 300 yards I would go with a bolt action 6.5 Creedmoor and reload for it. All in all if you don't reload you can kill all day / any animal with factory Hornady SST ammo in this caliber for 22.00 a box.

I'd go with a 6.5 Creedmoor if you can find one for a good price. If not a 308 Rem 700 AAC-SD.

That barrel gets heavy if walking around a lot

I have been kicking around a similar idea. I am looking at model 7 lately.

Other ideas would be a 18ish inch 6.8 spc or 6.5 Grendel if you wanted gasser

I decided to pull my 30-30 lever out. Should be fun

I don't know why I forgot about the Ruger American Predator. Get one in 308 if you want a shorter gun or get the 6.5 CM. It's a very solid platform and is only about $350.

I was just looking at these online.

I had the 18" American Predator in 308 and didn't have any accuracy issues with my supressor attached. POI changed but the group size did not.

Since you want available ammo, I gotta go with .308

That said, find the rifle you like not worrying about barrel length. Take it to a Smith, and cut it down to 16", as well as having it threaded. Done deal.

I have to also recommend a Tikka. They are my favorite mass produced action, and have built two semi-customs off Tikka actions. Great action, great trigger, very good shooting barrels. With a Remington, you'll have to add a $100 Timney trigger.

Tikka T-3 Lite in .308, cut it down to 16".