Short action re-barrel

[Pokoki]

I have a Howa Varminter in 308 that I am going to re-barrel. Originally I was just going to get another 308 barrel, but now I'm thinking about going from the 308 to a .......???

Really want to make a short barrel timber set up. I have a spare 338 barrel, so possibly a 338 Federal. My son already has a 7mm08, so not interested in that. The other caliber that came to mind was a 6mm creedmoor (not 6.5).

Mostly deer, but can't rule out a bear or two.

My current rifles are: 6.8spc, 7mm-08, 26 Nosler, 7mm, 458 socom and 338 RUM.

Any other short action caliber suggestions for timber hunting deer and bear I should be considering?

 

[Plinker147]

6 creedmore is great choice for deer not the best for bear but it would work and would be fun to shoot.

A 284 throated to shoot 140-150 gr bullets would be a neat gun.

Hard to beat a 308 in a short action for bear without going mag