Chronos wrote:Welcome to the forum Brownhair
A lot of shooters would agree a .223 would be hard to beat for learning to shoot and reload on, most .223's would be capable of shooting accurately out to 300m (rifles fitted with fast twist barrels 1:9" twist and faster) can shoot heavier bullets which will buck the wind better and and will shoot beyond well 500m. They have long barrel life, around 5 times the barrel life of a .243 and factory match ammo is available to get you shooting sooner.
I think you may struggle to find anything decent with a scope with in your budget, perhaps you should go to the rifle range and talk to a few of the clubs there, most will have club rifles you can use until you get a better idea what you need to compete. You'll also meet people with similar interest who can help you learn
Chronos
brownhare wrote:** Edit: The guy I shoot with has a Sako 85 Hunter Stainless which I enjoy using.
mausermate wrote:I see lots of Omark/Sportco model 44's on the market for under your $500. 308 of course but great starter target guns that you can get great groups with.