The questions you are asking are so open ended you are probably going to get a huge number of differing opinions. For 700-800 you can get a Rem 700, M70 (only get the stealth II), or a Savage. All of those rifles are decent out of the box and a good foundation to build on.
As far as glass goes you get what you pay for. For 200-300 you are going to get crappy glass with the exception of the Tasco Super Sniper. This scope performs well beyond it's price and is a great investment. You will see that scope on very expensive rifles.
Go with a one piece base and some decent rings and practice, practice, practice. And then when you are done, practice some more.
Great place to start.