« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2012, 11:25:11 AM »
Something in the 7mm-08 to 30'06 range, leaning towards the '06;
In my opinion you want a .3081. What if any updates from then to now?
None... except maybe the new thumbhole synthetic Handi stock... most folks like them alot, also the DNZ Gamereaper one piece mounts are available from H&R directly.2. Any particular calibers to avoid?
Any of the 7mm to .30 caliber guns will suit you and are all equally adequate. 3. Is Boyd's aftermarket wood worth it? I want a laminate, but will build if I need to?
Yes it is worth it... the Sterling thumbhole set is very nice... be warned that the forearm does not come with a frame spacer, that will need to be purchased seperately. 
4. Any trigger improvements on the new models?
No trigger improvements from the factory... but check the faq's for DIY jobs.5. Any caliber not on my list that should be, longest shot is 100yds on deer, 50-75yds on pigs.
Personally believe the .308 is the best all round caliber... but for your uses the .357 reamed to MAX or the .44 Mag are also good options... cheap to shoot using hard cast bullets.
Anything else I should look for or avoid?
You should definitely get yourself a Handi... there are many calibers to choose from, in addition to the above noted (.45/70 & .500 S&W)... and you should AVOID taking too long.

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Hoyt Handi's; Ultra Black .22 K-Hornet Shorty, Black Synthetic K-Hornet Shorty & Nickel .410 Combo (sons), Ultra Granite Grey .22 BR Rem, Ultra Nutmeg .223 & .30/30 Shorty Combo (sons), Ultra Forest .223/7mm-08 Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest .243/.308 Combo, Ultra Nutmeg .243/.308 Combo (sons), Jacaranda/Cocobolo .30/30 & 7.62X39 Shorty Combo, Ultra Black/Stainless .260 Rem Stub, Ultra Black/Stainless .338 Federal Stub, Ultra Grey .358 Win, Ultra Grey .35 Whelen, Walnut/Cocobolo Mannlicher .357 MAX, Buffalo Classic Mannlicher .44 Mag Shorties w/NDS-38 peeps (X2; Sons & mine), Ultra Grey Stainless .45/70 & .243 & 20 Gauge Combo, Buffalo Classic 26" .45/70, 9.3X74R Mannlicher, Synthetic Nickel .410 & .30/30 & Versa Pak .22 LR Shorty Combo, Ultra Forest/Cocobolo 12 Gauge 3.5" Turkey; Most scoped with DNZ or Dura Sight one-piece bases and Mueller, Hawke or Nikon scopes... several with Skinner Peeps and Williams Fire Sight ramps.