RE: Good Rifle for under $500?
Several good ones; I like Savages (have owned two) in the cartridges you specify.
BUT HEY -unless you expect to be taking some loooong shots - check out a Marlin 336 in 30-30. I've recently gotten one, and it is a delightful rifle - handy, pleasure to carry, little recoil, pleasure to shoot, looks GREAT (esp. compared to ugly-duckling Savage, or ANY bolt gun) and it is accurate. Shot a doe this evening, and for the first time I tried out the 170gr bullet (I've been using 150). These 170gr absolutely hammered the deer, making hole about 2-3" on both sides of ribcage.
I like this 30-30 better than either of the Savages I've owned. If you're DEER HUNTING... get one, you won't regret it. You can get the Marlin for around $300 new I think (mine was 2nd hand) and then ad a decent scope, you'll be under budget and ready to make venison.