[primer1]

Originally Posted by HockaLouis

Yes, the Mosin Nagant and its 30 caliber rimmed cartridge is a renowned 400 yard varmint gun. And a Mini-14 is the same as an AR.


.223 hard to beat? Easier than a red-headed stepchild... Go w/a .243. Affordable, accurate, comfortable, common popular necked-down .308 that bridges your interests. A decent Savage bolt in that chambering would probably be what I'd gravitate towards.

Her're the .223, .243 and the .308

Read the last line of op: affordable ammo.

[locutus]

.243 ammo is considerably more expensive than .223 or even .308.

The .243 is a wonderful hunting cartridge. But for a new shooter trying to learn basics, by doing a lot of shooting, it is expensive.

[HockaLouis]

Originally Posted by locutus

.243 ammo is considerably more expensive than .223 or even .308.

The .243 is a wonderful hunting cartridge. But for a new shooter trying to learn basics, by doing a lot of shooting, it is expensive.

I don't really agree. Is it a little more expensive than .308? Yup. And take .223 off the table altogether -- it doesn't fit the bill. .243 is comparatively VERY affordable vs. most centerfire rounds because it is one of the most popular cartridges and it's BASED on those inexpensive .308's.

You might try shopping around a little more...

Just one check at sponsor Brownells showed:

The top three sellers in .308* went from $16.99 to $27.99 and in .243 from $17.29 to $22.39.

The least expensive .308 was $10.16 (for unreloadable zinc-plated steel-cased Russian) and the .243 was $16.99 (for Winchester).

*I wonder if any of them are that popular .308 varmint round? LOL

[primer1]

He's asking for a 400 yard range gun with affordable and inexpensive ammo, but hock says the .223 should be taken off the table. Am I missing something?

[7mmstw]

Savage in 223. Bought 50 rounds of black hills match the other day for $26. That's hard to beat. Easy 400 yard gun. And could always swap barrels later.

don't live vicariously

[ineverFTF]

Browning x or a bolt 308. Power and range and with light loads a good varmint gun

[Shoobee]

First rifle I ever shot was a semi-auto .22LR. I was 12 at the time. I don't remember make and model.

Second rifle I ever shot was a .30-30 belonging to my uncle. I was 16 at the time. All I remember was it was a Winchester lever action.

Third rifle I ever shot was a 7.62mm M-14A1. I was 19 at the time. This rifle had been issued to me. It was one of the few with a beautiful wooden stock.

Fourth rifle I ever shot was a 5.56mm M-16A1. I liked the M-14 better though, even though it was heavier.

First hunting rifle that I ever owned was a 7mm-08 Remington model 700. That was 26 years ago.

Now I own a .300 RUM Remington model 700, the most perfect of all scoped bolt action hunting rifles in North America.

[HockaLouis]

Originally Posted by primer1

He's asking for a 400 yard range gun with affordable and inexpensive ammo, but hock says the .223 should be taken off the table. Am I missing something?

No, it's me -- I thought he wanted to hunt too.

OK I'm on the .223 bandwagon.

[dks7895]

This is a no brainer. 223 in whatever you like. Savage with accutrigger is a fine choice.