I have a Savage Axis in 30-06 and it is a great shooter but out of the box the trigger and scope seriously handicap the rife.
I replaced the trigger with a Timney and put a Nikon Prostaff scope on it and it made a world of difference. (As you and
@Mark from MA recommended)
Proper barrel break in really helped the barrel settle it in. (I know that some believe in it and some don’t) Initially it only liked the Hornady American Whitetail in 180g. Now it shoots anything I have on hand from 150g to 180g equally well (different POI but nice tight groups)
As far as caliber goes I would still stick with the 35 REM that he is familiar with.
Bob