Mosin Nagant carbine. M91/59, M44 or any other that looks in good shape. They fire the 7.62x54R cartridge which falls between the .308 and .30/06 powerwise. These rifles are cheap, rugged, compact enoungh for brush hunting and will anchor most North American game at sensible ranges with good hunting ammo. Sellier & Belliot 180gr soft points are what I use in my 91/59.

Mine cost $80.00 Canadian and it's in real good shape. I bought a Savage this spring but I will keep the Mosin for sentimental reasons (Christmas gift from Mom) and because it is a blast to shoot.

Good Luck.