Hi Crump: Varmints to Blackies is alot to ask of a caliber. What kind of scope are you envisioning for this project? If you areplanning on alot of varminting/range time, I would say the .308 is theway to go as ammunition should cost considerably less than most other "big game" legal calibers. In fact, Midway is selling the Federal Speer Grand Slam (150gr) for less than $8/box!!! (better hurry though). Otherwise Wolf "stuff" is about $4.50/box.

Good luck,
CE