Primary Purpose: Target and Varmint Hunting
My first rifle, everything else I own are shotguns, pistols or rimfire.
What I’m looking for:
-Bolt Action
-Thinking of mounting a 4-12, 4-14 or 4-16 scope on it. Nikon P223 or Vortex, would prefer to have turrets
(Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16X42mm w/ SF for $330)
-Able to mount a Bipod to it
-I don’t have any stock preference
-I plan on reloading my own rounds for this rifle
I have access to a rifle range close to work, with benches at 100, 200 and 300. I plan on using it as a training tool to learn and get better at shooting. My goal would be a prairie dog hunting trip. I love target shooting, but I want to shot further then a .22lr and shooting 12ga sabot slugs is no fun and expensive $4-5 per shot.
What is a good budget to have on this rifle? The gun alone can range from $350 to endless. I mean I could buy a Ruger American ($350-400), Remington 700 (SPS for $650-750, VLS for $800-900 or Cooper or Howa (a lot). What kind of expectations should I have with a .223 rifle, as in accuracy? If I’m going to spend a lot of money on a rifle, I would rather have it on a nice .308 or .280/7mm.
So I’m just looking for help and ideas on bang for your buck on gun i'll be happy shooting and learning with!! Thanks!